4 Apr 2016

American Samoa hospital owed millions from govt

2:13 pm on 4 April 2016

The LBJ hospital hasn't received their monthly subsidy from the American Samoa government for the past four months.

LBJ CEO Taufetee John Faumuina Jr told the House Health Committee the hospital was drowning in debt and is struggling to survive as it became increasingly difficult to maintain hospital functions in the current state of affairs.

According to an LBJ report, as of 10th March the American Samoa Government owed the hospital $US6.6 million.

Other account receivables, including for non-resident self pay patients, and federal health covered patients, came to $US4.4 million

Of the amount the government owed the hospital, $US4.6 million was outstanding from the 2% wage tax and the local subsidy is $US1.6 million.

The faipule said if there was a problem, he expected the hospital management and the Treasurer to reconcile their figures because the reports looked troubling.

LBJ hospital, American Samoa

LBJ hospital, American Samoa Photo: RNZI