Ulugia Dr. Tito Kamu has confirmed he is no longer serving as the Acting Deputy Director General (DDG) for Hospital and Clinical Services at the Ministry of Health, returning to his substantive role as a Senior Medical Consultant in Paediatrics. 

Dr. Elizabeth Williams has taken over as Acting DDG from 25 August to 7 September.

Dr. Kamu told the Samoa Observer that he handed over the keys to the Acting DDG office and was unaware of any specific reason for the leadership change during the ongoing dengue fever outbreak. 

“No, I don’t know why the change happened during this period of the dengue fever. I am no longer acting. I handed back the key for the Acting Deputy Director General’s office and returned as a Consultant in Paediatrics,” he said.

He also confirmed that Hinauri Leaupepe, who was supposed to assume the acting position from 12 to 24 August, had resigned. “She resigned last Friday. The farewell was held then, but I was not invited to attend,” Dr. Kamu said.

Questions were raised about a Ministry meeting called by the Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele, with senior management regarding the acting leadership last Thursday. Dr. Kamu confirmed he did not attend. 

“I was not asked to attend. It was only the management that met. I was not included, and I was not consulted,” he said. He also noted that Tagaloa, Dr. Robert Thomsen and Chief Operating Officer Sina Faaiuga informed him he would step aside in the acting capacity.

Following the article’s publication, the Ministry of Health issued a letter clarifying that Dr. Kamu had not been instructed to step down from his substantive position as Consultant Paediatrician. The Ministry confirmed he continues to serve as a Senior Medical Consultant within Clinical and Hospital Services. The letter also noted that his acting appointments were part of the Ministry’s normal rotational practice across senior management roles, approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

The Ministry stated that Dr. Kamu was originally scheduled to hand over the acting role temporarily to another senior official from 12 to 24 August, but due to unforeseen leave, he remained in the position until 22 August, when the next appointee could assume the role.

Dr. Kamu emphasised that he holds no ill will and remains committed to public service. “I have no worries. It is God’s love that gives me peace. I believe in doing the right thing and listening to the leaders. I will continue to serve the country and our people who need support,” he said.