13 Feb 2007

Samoa PM reject health care criticism

2:32 pm on 13 February 2007

Samoa's Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has criticised a parliamentary committee report which has painted a bad image of the health service.

The report, which is being debated in parliament, is recommending the relocation of the main hospital high dependency unit because of leaks in its roof.

It also calls for new aprons for nurses and doctors working in the main surgical theatre.

But the prime minister says the committee should never raise the worn out of aprons and leak on the roof but concentrate on the many good works by the government to lift the standard of public health.

Tuilaepa suspects the chairman' report has raised the matters because he's an independent MP.

He says a medical doctor should have chaired the committee.

But the MP has pointed out that the concerns raised in the report should improve service for public health.