The gubernatorial team of Iaulualo Faafetai Talia and Tapaau Dr Daniel Mageo Aga cite in their health care platform a basic human right principle enshrined in the World Health Organization (WHO) Constitution: “The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”
The candidates say, “We believe that everyone – every single human being in American Samoa should have the same kind of access to quality healthcare. ”
Iaulualo and Tapaau declare, “If we are elected as the future leaders of our government, we will strive to make sure that quality health care is accessible to all.”
According to their health care platform, just as important as access to medical treatment is the right to safe and clean drinking water, healthy food, a clean environment, access and public education in preventive and primary care.
The candidates point out that LBJ Hospital has well-trained and conscientious medical professionals “but they are working with sorely insufficient resources.”
They add the hospital serves the population of our entire island on a $50 million dollar budget, and while this may sound like a lot of money “it is not nearly enough for the 60,000-plus people in American Samoa.”
They add that the territory’s only hospital will not be able to provide quality health care across the board unless it has the necessary finances –for staff, training , equipment and medical supplies and carry out needed improvements.
The Iaulualo/Tapaau gubernatorial team doesnt believe the government is putting enough money into healthcare.
They say the government’s direct financial assistance to the hospital makes up only 14% of its operating budget annd its their opinion, that ASG has not satisfactorily met its obligations to LBJ.
“It remains the government’s responsibility to supply adequate funding to the hospital so it can more completely serve our community. Otherwise, in spite of LBJ’s best efforts – the deficiencies in the health care system will continue.”
The candidates will lay out how to address the shortcomings in the health care system during their campaign for governor and lt. governor.
