About

The Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services (MHHS) is one of the eight ministries of the Executive Branch of the Government of Palau. MHHS is responsible for protecting and promoting the health and well-being of the people of Palau through the provision of accessible, quality health services and the implementation of public health programs and policies. The Ministry works to prevent and control disease, promote healthy communities, strengthen health systems, and ensure the delivery of essential health and human services to individuals and families across Palau.

About MHHS
Office of the Minister

Welcome to the official website of the Palau Ministry of Health and Human Services!

 

At the Ministry, we are dedicated to promoting the health, well-being, and dignity of every individual in our society. Our mission is to deliver essential healthcare services, protect public health, foster equity, and ensure that everyone—regardless of age, background, or life circumstance—has access to the care and support they need.

 

This website serves as a gateway to the many programs and services we offer. Whether you’re seeking information about healthcare options, mental health support, public health initiatives, or assistance for families and vulnerable populations, you’ll find the resources you need here. We invite you to explore the site, stay informed, and connect with the services you need.

 

Together, let’s continue building a healthier, stronger Palau—because good health is the foundation of a thriving community.

 

 Honorable Raynold B. Oilouch
Vice President and Minister of Health and Human Services

Our Vision

Healthy communities with access to high quality healthcare services

Our Purpose

To provide quality, comprehensive, evidence-based, accessible healthcare services to our patients and community

Our Priorities

✓ Provide accessible and high-quality patient-centered hospital services
✓ Provide accessible and high-quality primary and preventive services
✓ Ensure effective partnerships are developed and maintained
✓ Value our people and support their growth and development
✓ Ensure that our administrative and support services are accountable and sustainable

Bureau of Hospital Services (BHS)
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Clarette Matlab
Director

The Bureau of Hospital Services delivers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care through emergency, acute, chronic, diagnostic, therapeutic, rehabilitative, and supportive health services. The Bureau also oversees essential hospital support services that ensure safe, effective, and high-quality patient care.

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Darnelle Worswick
Chief

Manages the daily operations and support services of Belau National Hospital, ensuring the efficient operation of hospital facilities, equipment, and essential services.

Departments:

  • Facilities and Equipment Department
  • Food Service Department
  • Medical Supply Department
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Clarette Matlab
Director

Supports patient care through essential diagnostic, therapeutic, and recovery services that enhance the quality and efficiency of care at Belau National Hospital.

Departments:

  • Laboratory Department
  • Rehabilitation Services Department Recovery
  • Pharmacy
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Ngirachisau Mekoll
Chief

Oversees key clinical areas within Belau National Hospital. It works to expand access to specialty care through visiting clinics and medical missions, strengthen and improve local medical services and treatment options, support the development of a skilled and healthy workforce in healthcare.

Departments:

  • Inpatient and Outpatient Services
  • Clinical Epidemiology
  • Hyperbaric Medicine Unit
  • Operating Room Services
  • Emergency Room Services
  • Hemodialysis Unit
  • Medical Referral Program
  • Telemedicine Services
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Lorraine Beketaut
Chief

The Division of Nursing is at the heart of patient care at the Belau National Hospital, providing compassionate, safe care, and high quality nursing services to patients throughout their healthcare journey.
The Division oversees nursing staff and services across the hospital, including inpatient wards, outpatient clinics, the Emergency Department, operating room, and specialized units such as dialysis and maternity. Through collaboration with a broader healthcare team, Nursing plays a vital role in promoting patient safety, supporting positive health outcomes, and ensuring every patient receives care with dignity and compassion.

Bureau of Public Health
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Sherilynn Madraisau
Director

The Bureau of Public Health protects and promotes the health and well-being of the people of Palau through programs and services focused on disease prevention, wellness, and family support.

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Calvin Johanes
Chief

Protects and improves the Bureau by promoting safe environments across communities in Palau. Through each of its Units, it addresses a wide range of environmental and public health concerns—from household safety to food protection and disease prevention at the national border.

Key Units and Functions: 

  • Community Environmental Health Development Unit
  • Consumer Safety Unit
  • Emerging Issues Unit
  • Vector Control and Health Quarantine Unit
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Janice Mathew
Chief

The Division of Oral Health is dedicated to improve the oral health and well-being of the people of Palau, through a combination of clinical care, community outreach, and school-based prevention programs.

  • Clinical Dentistry at the Belau National Hospital’s Dental Clinic Unit, providing routine and specialized dental treatment.
  • Community Service Unit, conducting outreach and education campaigns to raise awareness about oral hygiene and prevent dental disease.
  • School-based programs, teaching children the importance of lifelong oral health, maintenance and wellness.
  • Dental laboratory, creates dental appliances (crowns, dentures, etc.)
  • Administrative Support Services, ensuring smooth coordination, planning, and delivery of dental services.
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Edolem Ikerdeu
Chief

The Division of Primary and Preventative Health Services delivers accessible, comprehensive, and continuous healthcare services to the people of Palau.

Focusing on preventing illness before worsening and/or requiring advanced treatment. Through regular check-ups, screenings, education, awareness, immunizations, preventative care, and community-based health initiatives, we address health needs early.

Community Health Centers (CHCs):

The CHC’s provide accessible and comprehensive services, designed for all stages of life in Palau, catering to the needs of individuals and families in our communities.

Communicable Disease Unit:

The CDU works to detect, prevent, and treat communicable diseases of the people of Palau. This Unit leads efforts in surveillance, education, and care to reduce the spread of infectious disease across the islands.

Family Health Unit:
Dedicated to improving health and well-being of all families across Palau by providing comprehensive and high-quality public health and medical services tailored to each stage of life from infantry-adulthood.

Home Health and Geriatric Unit
This Unit provides essential healthcare services to elderly and homebound individuals, ensuring
they receive continuous, quality care in the comfort of their own homes.

Immunization Program
A program to protect individuals and the community from preventable infectious diseases by providing safe and effective vaccines.

Non-Communicable Disease Unit
Leads efforts to prevent, manage, and treat non-communicable diseases. Long-term health conditions that are not spread from person to person, such as diabetes, heart diseases, hypertension, and cancer. These are among the leading causes of illness in Palau.

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Ritter Udui
Program Manager

Responsible for ensuring timely and effective medical response during emergencies, disasters, and mass casualty events. It provides pre-hospital care, coordinates emergency medical services (EMS), and strengthens the health system’s preparedness and response capabilities.

Works closely with hospitals, clinics, and first responders to deliver life-saving care, conduct emergency drills, and implement disaster risk reduction strategies. Its goal is to safeguard public health through rapid, coordinated, and resilient emergency medical response

Bureau of Health Systems Administration (BHSA)
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Arnice Yuji
Director

The Bureau of Health Systems Administration supports the Ministry’s operations by overseeing financial management, health information systems, policy development, workforce development, and other administrative services that enable the delivery of quality healthcare.

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Quintina Nestor-Pedro
Chief

Oversees all financial and budget matters, assets, and project management of MHHS. It prepares, monitors, manages, and reports the Ministry budget as well as financial activities, status, and service fees and revenues, as well as billing and collections.

Units:

  • MHHS Budget and Finance Unit
  • Project and Asset Management Unit
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Tmong Udui
Chief

The Division of Health Information and Intelligence strengthens health systems by ensuring health information is secure, reliable, accessible, and used to support better health services and decisions. It brings together health information technology, medical records, vital statistics, reporting, and epidemiology to support quality care, effective public health action, and better health outcomes.

Information, Technology, and Communication Center
Ensures secure and reliable health information systems, electronic medical records, networks, software, and communication technologies that support the delivery and coordination of health services.

Medical Records Unit
Ensures the accuracy, confidentiality, security, and accessibility of patient health records and vital statistics, supporting quality and continuity of care, legal and reporting requirements, and accurate health information.

Epidemiology Unit
Generates and translates health intelligence through surveillance, investigation, analysis, and interpretation of health data. The Unit supports early detection and response to health threats, evidence-based decision-making, disease prevention, and population health by turning complex health information into clear, accessible, and actionable information.

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Komtil Ngirmang
Chief

Supports the development of health policies, programs, research, and quality improvement initiatives that strengthen health and human services across Palau. Through data and collection, public outreach, partnerships, accreditation supports, professional development, collaboration with local and international partners, the Ministry works to improve health systems, promote community well-being, and ensure accessible, high-quality care and services for the public.

Units:

  • Community Advocacy Unit
  • Health Planning and Development Unit
  • Health Policy, Research, and Development Unit
  • Global Health Unit
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Ebibei Solang
Manager

Supports the MHHS achieve its state goals and purpose by these key roles: Service and Administrative Role, Monitoring and Reviewing, Executive Role, Facilitation Role, and Consultancy Role

Workforce Development Office
Dedicated to building and strengthening the skills, knowledge, and capacity of the MHHS staff. It oversees training programs, professional development opportunities, and career advancement initiatives to ensure a competent and motivated health workforce. By fostering continuous learning and supporting staff growth, the office contributes to the overall effectiveness and sustainability of health services in Palau.

Human Resource Office
Manages all aspects of workforce administration within the MHHS, including recruitment, staffing, employee relations, performance management, and compliance with labor regulations. It supports a positive work environment by implementing policies and programs that promote employee well-being, fairness, and professional growth. The office plays a key role in attracting, retaining, and developing a skilled health workforce to meet the mission and goals of the MHHS.

Bureau of Human Services
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Hera Subediang
Director

The Bureau of Human Services promotes equitable access to essential services and support for individuals, families, and communities throughout Palau, helping improve health, well-being, and quality of life.

Through home visits, transportation assistance, food support, and other community-based services, the Division helps seniors age safely and comfortably in their homes while advocating for policies and initiatives that strengthen support for Palau’s elderly population.

Services and Programs:

  • Congregation and Homebound Lunch Meal Program
  • Elderly Transport Service
  • Ormuul Gift Shop
  • Title IV Senior Service Employment Program
  • Geriatric Care Programs
  • In-Home Assistance
  • Short-Term Facility Caregiver Support
  • Senior Exercise program with Partner Agencies
  • Senior Health program for basic health check-ups and vaccinations

This Division connects individuals and families with the services and resources they need to improve their health, well-being, and quality of life. Serving as the link between public and the diverse range of resources available in Palau.

Services and Programs:

  • Informal Makit Sector
  • Palau Severely Disabled Funding Assistance (PSDAF)

Handles cases of protection for children and adults alike.

Services and Programs:

  • Counseling
  • Service Coordination
  • VOCA Hotline
  • Child Raising Subsidy
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Ribka Kintaro-Kanai
Chief

This office is responsible for managing the Palau Severely Disabled Assistance Fund and addressing the needs of the differently abled population within Palau under the National Policy of Persons with Disabilities.

Bureau of Behavioral Health
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Everlynn B. Temengil
Director

The Bureau of Behavioral Health promotes mental health and well-being by providing prevention, treatment, recovery, crisis intervention, and community support services for individuals and families throughout Palau.

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Candace Koshiba
Chief

Division of Mental Wellness
Promotes mental wellness through prevention, intervention, and support services to empower individuals and families to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by fostering resilience, providing compassionate care, and strengthening community connections.

Integrated Behavioral Health Unit
Provides accessible and integrated behavioral health services that promote mental wellness, early intervention, crisis support, and resilience among children, youth, adults, and families through counseling, screening, school-based interventions and coordinated support.

Prevention Unit
Promotes healthier lifestyles and informed choices by educating the public on the dangers and health effects of alcohol, tobacco, and substance use. Its programs aim to prevent addictive disorders, chronic diseases, and violence/injury, while fostering overall health that supports mental, emotional, and behavioral wellness for individuals, families, and communities.

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Theresita Skang
Chief

Promotes emotional wellness through prevention, treatment, crisis support, and recovery services, helping individuals and families lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Programs:

  • Counseling Services
  • Psychiatric Services
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Suicide Prevention
  • Community Outreach
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David Moses
Chief

The Division of Psychosocial Rehabilitation empowers individuals in recovery by providing treatment and rehabilitation services, continued support, and evidence-based skill-building.

Programs:

  • Substance Use Treatment Program
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Anger Management Program
  • Counseling Services
  • Recovery Support Services
Boards, Committees, and Advisory Councils