Samoa’s Minister of Finance has called for more preventive measures for diabetic patients, rather than providing more dialysis treatment machines.
Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molio’o made the call in Parliament during deliberations on the Annual Report for the National Kidney Foundation for Financial Year 2019/2020.
She voiced her disapproval of the establishment of more facilities across the country for dialysis patients.
“This is because it reflects poor health and management in the country and indicates Samoa’s acceptance that there will be more and more patients needing dialysis treatments,” Mulipola told Parliament.
Mulipola spoke of the significance of going back to the roots of problems for more effective solutions.
“We should commit our efforts to preventative measures to avoid having to use a dialysis machine. The cure and answer are in our own hands.”
She had support from both sides of the House with, former HRPP Cabinet Minister, Sala Fata Pinati saying that bringing in more dialysis machines is an indication that the country is expecting more and more people to be diagnosed with kidney failure.
The Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Toeolesulusulu Cedric Schuster, suggested that each district should allocate 1 per cent of their $1 million tala grant for preventative programs to promote a healthy lifestyle.
According to the Chairman of the Social Sector Committee, Laumatiamanu Ringo Purcell, there are currently 32 machines operating at the National Kidney Foundation with 64 plugs available at the clinic.
They are now waiting for 30 new machines, which cabinet has approved.
MPs expressed their gratitude to the General Manager of N.K.F for prevention and treatment of people affected with kidney diseases.
Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele reminded Parliament they have a duty to provide service and cater for the growing number of dialysis patients in the country, which is why they need more dialysis machines.
