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Skilling sworn in as new Secretary of Health and Social Services

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSM Information Services): December 19, 2007 - Vice President Alik L. Alik on behalf of President Mori inducted one more member of President Mori's Cabinet into office in a brief ceremony held in the President's Conference Room on December 17, 2007.

Dr. Vita Akapito Skilling was sworn into as Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Affairs in that ceremony.

The Vice President administered the Oath of Office to Dr. Skilling who swore to the oath to faithfully execute the duties and responsibilities for the position and to uphold and promote and support the constitution of the FSM.

In a brief statement, Vice President Alik indicated, [...] "one of many items that we would like to establish during this administration is a referral hospital that we hope to accomplish before the end of our term in the next three or four years, and we truly hope with your willingness with the support and cooperation with our states and people at your department we will be able to accomplish this vision we have for this nation."

With that Vice President Alik assured Dr. Skilling that both President Mori and him will work very closely with Dr. Skilling to make sure that what the President and the Vice President hope that will be the best for this nation will be carried out.

Prior to her nomination, Secretary Dr. Skilling worked with the Kosrae State Division of Public Health and Community Health for more than 15 years. A major part of her work focus is in child health, and community health.

Dr. Skilling's educational background includes completion of the Medical Training at the University of Hawaii and a Residency in Pediatrics at the Fiji School of Medicine and postgraduate child health at the University of Otago, NZ.

The brief oath of office was witness by government officials, family members, and staff of the department of Health and Social Affairs.