The Pacific Games C.E.O., Falefata Hele Matatia, has downplayed concerns that next year’s Pacific Games will not put a strain on Samoa’s health infrastructure.  

Falefata told the Sunday Samoan that the delivery of medical services for the Games to be held on July 7-20 is manageable. 

“Teams come with their own medical officials and medical teams to help alleviate that pressure as well." 

“We also have our own strategy in place to make sure we are able to cater for these particular pressures that will not take away from the medical team at Moto'otua,” he said. 

Falefata said the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri, has already established their subcommittee, which has opened up discussions in relation to medical services that will be required, the public clinics that will be needed, and how that will work. 

“The medical team, led by the C.E.O. for M.O.H., are doing an exceptional job and activating their subcommittee of National Health Services, Samoa Red Cross Society, Samoa Fire Emergency Services Authority and some of the anti-doping organisations in the region, which will be working together during the Pacific Games,” he added.  

He said Samoa provided such services for the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games so the challenges are not new and manageable. The event attracted 63 nations at that time who participated in nine sports with over 800 athletes reportedly in attendance.