In response to the LBJ Medical Center’s critical situation, Governor Lolo Moliga has appointed a special committee to do research, find out what’s causing the ongoing problem at the territory’s sole health facility and to find long term solutions to these problems.
The governor announced this special team at today’s cabinet meeting.
A copy of a memorandum with the names of members of the special committee that the governor signed was distributed to the cabinet
The committee’s responsibility is to look at the cause of problems at the hospital, identify solutions and advise the government as well as the Fono leaders of what needs to be done to accomplish the findings and recommendations.
Governor Lolo said he’s told the LBJ CEO and Board that what the community has been concerned about in regards to the situation with the hospital is not just the responsibility of the hospital CEO or the Treasurer or the board.
Rather it’s everyone’s responsibility.
Governor Lolo explained that the territory’s only hospital continues to be plagued by monumental financial and operating challenges.
And action to reverse the observed decline in the quality of healthcare services for the people of American Samoa is necessary.
The LBJ Operational Assessment Task Force is assigned to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the hospital’s operation identifying challenging issues to be supported with literature and data.
The team must come up with recommendations to address these issues and identify mitigation strategies.
The new Task Force has ten members:
- ASPA CEO, Utu Abe Malae,
- Medicaid Director, Tofoitaufa Sandra King-Young,
- DOH Director, Motusa Tuileama Nua,
- LBJ CEO, Taufete’e J. Faumuina,
- Governor’s Chief Advisor, Iulogologo J Pereira,
- DHSS Director, Taeaofua Dr. Meki Solomona, and
- LBJ officials Pauline Gebauer and Rene L. F Clemens.
The Governor has appointed Utu Abe Malae as chairman of the board.
The team has 3 months to complete the initial 3 parts of its mission, and within 90 days provide a report that will go to the Fono listing all available financial resources to rectify the problems at LBJ and provide sound legislative advise on how best to make things better.
