14 Dec 2006

Fiji coup causes oxygen shortage at Samoa hospital

8:07 am on 14 December 2006

Samoa's general manager for Health Services, Dr Stanley Dean, is blaming the military coup in Fiji for the shortage of oxygen at the main Tupua Tamasese Mea'ole hospital.

The problem has postponed several operations and caused frustration and disappointment for some patients.

But Dr Stanley Dean says it was something beyond their control since the coup started last Tuesday in Fiji and has delayed shipment.

The health services manager told the Samoa Observer Newspaper that the ministry is working with the local BOC Gases Company to try and fast track oxygen from New Zealand.

Meanwhile the main hospital can only deal with emergency operations until supplies of oxygen arrive.