Samoa police are investigating the disappearance of a laptop used to operate a mobile x-ray machine brought into the country by the Australian Medical Assistance Team that’s helping with the measles epidemic response.
Samoa Observer reports the alleged theft happened last week and reported to police on Saturday morning.
The mobile x-ray machine is an essential tool for managing the radiography needs of very sick children in the pediatric ward who are unable to be moved to the x-ray laboratory on the ground floor of the Hospital.
Leituala Dr. Ben Matalavea confirmed that some of his fellow doctors reported the laptop as stolen to Police, who are investigating the matter.
He told the newspaper that he wants everyone to know what happened, and that perhaps publicizing the situation may bring the laptop back sooner.
“I was so hurt when I found out, I couldn’t believe it,” Leituala said.
He said there are at least 16 children in intensive care requiring the mobile x-ray machine, and 159 in-patients with measles across Samoa’s hospitals.
At least one suspect has been interviewed by the Criminal Investigation Department of the Police Ministry, according to a Police spokesman.
“I know not everyone agrees with my methods,” Leituala said, “But it helps if everyone knows. Maybe someone will just return it where someone will find it.”
