Aiono added that he had the blessings, trust, and confidence of the Minister of Health and had supported his move across to M.O.H. 

"The expectation is there, both from the Minister and Cabinet and also members of the public to do better and to improve the health status of our people and our health system," Aiono said.  

"Again, I learned a thing or two from New Zealand and I've worked in Samoa as well and I worked in Sataua for a year. I am aware of the processes in terms of public health and clinical services. 

"But I still had a lot to learn from my colleagues within the ministry. So it was a matter of getting the team together and looking at the goals again and seeing where we needed to go and the kinds of projects we needed to deliver. 

"We have our corporate plan, our strategic plan, and we got all the plans in place but it's a matter of achieving some of those and prioritising some of the things. 

"We prioritise because COVID-19 was behind us and there were certain things that we don't have to spend money on so we de-prioritise some things and move some things up the ladder."

One of the challenges Aiono faced when he first took up the role was getting the team together. 

"At times it was difficult to get the team together because there were people who were not happy with some of the changes that were coming and I expected that. 

"There was some resistance, but when you persist on something especially when you are clear on your goals and purposes then, the persistence will eventually pay off. 

"The team are coming around and those who were not happy with the changes are either leaving because it's the end of their contracts and I welcome that because we can't have a divided team. 

"Things are getting better."

He then reflected on some of the changes they have achieved thus far such as completing the merger of M.O.H. and National Health Services and the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) review. 

"As you are aware, there were issues with doctor's salaries and auditing overtime and salaries of those employed by the ministry. 

"Doctors who were working in the old system before the review; I must say there was a lot of fraud in terms of over-claiming overtime and all those were raised in parliament and the local media. 

"People were basically and especially the doctors, over-claiming overtime 

"The good thing was that the P.S.C. listened and they came and did the review and it was settled very quickly. 

"Now, not only do we have an increasing number of specialists and increased positions, but also now, we have salaries that are unheard of. 

"We now have specialists earning $110k a year plus their responsibility allowance so you are looking at $170k a year, which is far more than what I get. 

"Not only that the specialists increased their salaries but also the young doctors and registrars. 

"This phase two of the review is coming. I'm hoping really that in January, the PSC will have announced after Cabinet approval the second phase. 

"It will look at management. We have 23 ACEOs and it's something we need to slim the team and also acknowledge our nurses' contribution with a salary increase."

There are a couple of changes they have put in place that Aiono said he is optimistic about. 

But he still feels there's more work to be done moving forward.