I write as a community pharmacist with 30 years experience  in both the private pharmacy sector and also having served as the Chairman of the Pharmacy Council and Board of Director, on the NHS Health Board and MOH interim Health Board for several years 

I fully support the proposed policy to be discussed by Cabinet. Nothing can make up for the tragic loss of a loved one during this pandemic. We owe a huge debt to those who die in service to our country  and are doing everything we can to protect them.

However , I do humbly need clarification from the CEO of NEOC , Agafili Shem , where we as Community Pharmacists stand with due respect. 

Community pharmacists  have served as a lifeline to our local communities amid the global pandemic. These difficult circumstances have elevated the pharmaceutical profession and its many branches to a new appreciation.

With all due respect to  the NEOC CEO  , Agafili Shem Leo, 

I write regarding the Covid-19 Risk Bonus policy to be discussed by Cabinet. 

This “ Covid-19 risk policy “mentioned , will cover “ risk allowance “ for 300 frontline workers who worked during the Covid -19 Pandemic should they get affected by the Covid-19 virus as you said. 

The CEO mentioned the policy a “ Risk Allowance “ should frontline essential workers catch the Delta Variant of the Covid Virus , complications  may include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, septic shock, and leads to death.

This policy seems more like a Life Assurance Policy to me similar to what other developed countries such as Australia and Europe have where essential frontline workers are paid a “ Life Assurance Risk Bonus-  but only when they succumb to unfortunate complications of the Covid -19 virus 

Basically , a life assurance scheme for frontline workers who might possibly die of COVID-19 infection during the course of their work. The life assurance scheme is non-contributory, meaning there is no cost to staff or employers in community pharmacies 

But , with respect , Why are  we Community Pharmacists , not included in this government policy being discussed? Or are we ??

Are we community pharmacists not classified as essential frontline workers ? 

There’s seems to be 2 contrasting issues here. The NEOC CEO mentions 

1. A “ risk life assurance “ policy should essential frontline workers unfortunately catch the Covid virus and 
2. A bonus reward for the long hours frontline workers worked  during Covid -19 to manage the pandemic  and heath risks. Question :Shouldn’t this be a Human Resources matter such as overtime calculated  by each ministries respective HR? 

My humble request to the NEOC CEO , is that Community pharmacists SHOULD  also be included in this new government policy being discussed by cabinet as  we community pharmacists are also working long hours managing the pandemic and health risks in Samoa. 

Should the Covid -19 enter Samoa, the government should very well know that community pharmacies will see a huge surge in demand as one of the few healthcare places keeping our doors open to the public. 

The vast majority of frontline community pharmacy teams can’t maintain social distancing from staff or patients, and aren’t always able to access the personal protective equipment we need to protect ourselves. 

I , humbly believe that anyone who understands what community pharmacists actually do will understand that we are a critical part of the health service in Samoa and should be classified as Frontline Essential Workers 

My 2 daughters working as community pharmacists overseas are classified as essential frontline workers and they do not get Covid-19 bonuses for working long hours nor do they get risk allowances as you are proposing 

Community pharmacists are the most accessible healthcare professionals to the general public and have a lot to offer amid the COVID-19 response,

including our evolving role in public health and community engagement

Having served our country for several decades , it’s only right to classify community pharmacists as essential frontline workers and include us in the Covid-19 Risk Assurance Policy being deliberated by the government. 

Fair criteria would include community pharmacy.

Ma le agaga fa’aaloalo tele lava ,

LeMamea Mathew Mualia

Chairman Pharmacy Council 2012

NHS - MOH Board Member

B. Pharmacy UQ , Australia 1991-1994 MPS (Aust)

Samoa Pharmacy Ltd