Eleven patients were approved by the Cabinet for medical treatment in New Zealand under the Overseas Medical Treatment Scheme funded by the Government, last week.

The Acting Prime Minister, Tuala Iosefo Ponifasio confirmed in a press statement the continuation of sending citizens overseas to obtain treatment that is not available in Samoa. 

He said the Cabinet last week approved 11 patients to get treatment in New Zealand and the Government still hopes to have the medical assistance available locally as part of its ongoing plans. 

In the previous financial year, a total of SAT$5 million was initially allocated for overseas medical treatment, which was later topped up by another SAT$6 million. 

The budget had exceeded by the end of that financial year and concerns were raised by the Ministry of Health that the costs for the country are not sustainable. 

An allocation of $5 million has been set aside for the scheme in the current financial plan. 

Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata’afa had raised concerns about the affordability of overseas treatment for non-communicable diseases in the past.

“We all are aware that non-communicable diseases like heart diseases, diabetes, respiratory diseases, and cancers account for 74 per cent of all deaths globally and 80 per cent of all premature NCD deaths," Fiamē said. 

“Samoa is not an exception. The Samoan Government is conscious of the increasing number of young people needing urgent overseas treatment for non-communicable diseases.

“One side, we are exploring ways to reduce the cost of overseas treatment for non-communicable diseases, at the same time we are also making efforts to make people of Samoa healthier by adopting better lifestyles and dietary habits.”

The Director General of Health, Aiono Alec Ekeroma previously told the media about a universal worry of an increase in the number of young people sent for cancer and heart disease specialist treatment in New Zealand.