Paul Gauguin Cruises has partnered with the French Polynesian government to provide healthcare assistance in the region’s most isolated islands. The partnership aims to meet the health needs of the people in these remote areas in two ways: by offering volunteer consultations by the doctors of the m/s Paul Gauguin during scheduled port calls; and by providing transportation free of charge aboard The Gauguin to health professionals commissioned by the government’s Health Directorate to ensure advance specialised consultations (CSA). This collaboration – a world first for the cruise industry – deepens the line’s commitment to the region, which has called French Polynesia home for 25 years.
The ’Taote Gauguin’ (taote means doctor in Tahitian) medical partnership agreement was signed on Monday, August 21, by Cédric Mercadal, French Polynesia’s Minister of Health in charge of Prevention and Generalised Social Protection, and Florence Courbière, on behalf of Paul Gauguin Cruises and PONANT, the line’s parent company.
“We welcome this public-private partnership established with a major undertaking in the country’s economic development, which is fully in line with the government’s desire to strengthen the offer of local care for the benefit of Polynesian families, particularly in remote archipelagos.” Mercadal said.
The testing phase of the collaboration, which included three shifts of medical consultations, took place during The Gauguin’s July 29 to August 12 voyage to better understand the program’s logistics, assess medical and operational needs and constraints, and refine the terms of the agreement.
“It was a very successful effort marked by over 20 consultations with patients aged from six months to 77 years, three of whom were sent on board for X-rays.” said Captain Michel Quioc. “Fatu Hiva has no medical imaging facilities so two ultrasounds were also carried out. The team was delighted to be able to provide such important medical services.”
The program will feature 40 consultation shifts a year to citizens of the Marquesas, one of French Polynesia’s more remote regions. The transport of medical specialists from Tahiti to these islands will double the medical presence with patients also receiving certain medical treatments onboard such as x-rays and ultrasounds.
“Small ship cruising has always held a unique promise of forging connections with local communities and this partnership is at the heart of our mission. We’ve seen first-hand the profound benefits it brings to these remote regions, from enriching cultural interactions to fostering education and understanding” says Deb Corbett, PONANT General Manager Sales & Marketing APAC. “Reinforcing PONANT’s commitment to giving back is not just a principle; it’s a promise we’re proud to keep. As we move forward, it remains a central and unwavering goal of ours to continue our support and involvement in these communities that have welcomed us with open arms.”
