18 Jun 2007

American Samoa government dismisses suggestions it would sell hospital

2:31 pm on 18 June 2007

The American Samoan government has dismissed suggestions that it sell the territory's only hospital, the LBJ Medical Center.

The governor, Togiola Tulafono, says he does not support any proposals to sell the hospital, because among other things, local statutes mandates the government to provide proper health care facilities and medical care for the people.

He also says he's concerned that privatising the hospital would result in higher hospital fees which many local residents couldn't afford to pay.

However, Togiola says he is supportive of establishing a small private hospital in the territory and he is currently in discussions with a company that wants to set up such an operation in Pago Pago.