Work on the proposed new hospital, at the Salelologa business center on Savai’i, is progressing.
Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele revealed in Parliament this week that 20 acres of land is reserved for the new hospital, and confirmed that clearing of the land and leveling for the foundation work has already begun.
Samoa Observer reports the comments were in response to queries raised by Savai’i Members of Parliament during deliberations on the Annual Report from the National Kidney Foundation for the Financial Year 2019/2020.
Currently, the main hospital on the big island, Malietoa Tanumafili II, is located at Tuasivi, 17 minutes north of Salelologa township and ferry terminal.
The proposed hospital at Salelologa, Savai’i, and the establishment of medical insurance were among the health sector priorities outlined by the ruling Fa’atuatua I le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) party, ahead of the General Election in 2021.
During deliberations in the Fono this week, the Member of Parliament for Palauli No.3., Laga’aia Ti’aituau Tufuga noted the seriousness of kidney failure, especially given the alarming rate of youths affected by this disease.
He urged the Ministry of Health to consider setting up a dialysis facility in Salelologa, at the location of the proposed hospital in the business center, saying that it’s accessible and convenient for people residing in Savai’i.
Aside from the main hospital at Tuasivi, there are currently four district hospitals in Savai’i for residents in rural areas.
They are located in Satupaitea, Foailalo, Sataua and Safotu.
While the Tuasivi hospital is referred to as the second biggest hospital in Samoa, MPs and Savai’i residents have continuously called for improvements in facilities, resources, as well as for more doctors and nurses for Savaii.
Currently, the doctor assigned for the Safotu district hospital has a residence next to the medical facility, but the doctor for Satupaitea is renting a house.
The doctor at Sataua district hospital is staying at a nearby hotel.
