Samoa’s Ministry of Health has acknowledged issues raised by the Samoa Observer on the state of disrepair at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital at Moto’otua.
In a statement released yesterday, MOH said it had already proposed its annual maintenance plan for the whole National Hospital Buildings.
“Maintenance work for the old outpatient building is near completion with intention to shift outpatient and emergency services before the Ministry could proceed with any major works needed to address issues as raised,” said MOH.
They add that at this stage the Ministry is trying its best to address the issues as pointed out but the hospital facilities and equipment is more than 10 years old.
According to MOH, most parts for the centralized systems’ equipment and elevators are outdated and hard to source and now requires major overhaul and replacement.
In addition, most of the technical know-how is either limited or not available in-country and has to be sourced from outside of Samoa.
The ministry pointed out that the central air conditioning systems that are already in place, causing leaks, cannot be isolated to one section or floor of the building.
“The whole building needs to be shut down for any major works to be conducted thus disrupting all services provided at that building.”
“Maintenance work is conducted every day across all Ministry buildings, including all hospitals both central and rural and there is an adequate budget to do these although large procurement orders have to go through usual finance process.”
The ministry also said efforts are underway for procurement of heavy-duty beds that can cater for the weight of patients and this process takes time.
“Mean[while], we have sufficient beds to cater for the current need given the recent outbreak has now subsided.”
The statement said the general public is also blamed for damage to beds and other facilities at the hospital.
It is why the Ministry has policies in place —on the number of visitors, no children allowed, no food from home, and the restriction to one caregiver per patient— to ensure a longevity and safety of these government assets.
