29 Jun 2005

American Samoa senate wants explanation for hospital problems

2:13 pm on 29 June 2005

The Hospital Authority Board of Directors in American Samoa has been summoned to appear before a Senate public hearing tomorrow to discuss the financial situation and continuing shortages at the LBJ Hospital.

In the latest development days have been cutting back the hours of some staff to save money, while there are ongoing reports of chronic shortages of medicines, with diabetic patients saying they have not been able to get their drugs for three weeks.

The Senate President, Lolo Letalu Moliga, says the Senators are concerned at the financial problems at the hospital and want a first hand report on what is being done to alleviate the situation.

The Chairman of the Senate Health committee, Senator Muagutitia Vaiula, says he was surprised to learn from the board that a half a million dollars approved by the Fono earlier this year has not been received.