12 May 2018

Commission of Inquiry into Samoa health merger announced

5:17 pm on 12 May 2018
President of the Samoa nurses association, Solialofi Papalii,

President of the Samoa nurses association, Solialofi Papalii, Photo: Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Samoa's Cabinet has appointed a three member Commission of Inquiry to investigate and review the proposed merge of the Ministry of Health and the National Health Services.

The inquiry will also recommend options for the proposed new structure after consultation.

The government's move to appoint a commission of inquiry comes after the nurses association met with the Prime Minister, Tuila'epa Sa'ilele Malielegaoi, to discuss the controversial proposal.

The newly elected president of the nurses association, Solialofi Papalii, said the proposed management structure is unacceptable to current senior nurses.

She said nurses must be represented at the management level.

The members of the inquiry includes the National University of Samoa Vice Chancellor, Fui Le'apai Asofou So'o, and former Public Service CEO, Faamausili Dr Matagialofi Luaiufi.