29 Sep 2005

Samoa opposition alleges misuse of donor health funds

3:44 pm on 29 September 2005

Samoa's opposition leader says money earmarked for health projects from international aid donors has been misspent.

Le Mamea Ropati says the World Health Organisation funds many health projects in the country.

He says aid donors are currently paying for Indian and Chinese doctors to relieve the workload, while public health doctors are on strike.

Le Mamea says there needs to be a Commission of Inquiry into how the Department of Health has spent aid money.

"Usually when there's any health department projects in Samoa, requests are put through for assistance from various aid agencies, including the WHO. The ministry of finance wrote the man in charge of the WHO here in Samoa, that any future finance should be redirected to the Ministry of Finance."

Le Mamea Ropati says the Health Minister's request for staff not to talk to media suggests he has something to hide.