Piles of old hospital equipment and rubbish lie behind the mortuary building at Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital in Moto’otua, raising serious concerns about waste management and hygiene at Samoa’s main public hospital.

During a recent site visit, the Samoa Observer team found an abandoned container behind the mortuary building filled with boxes of medical supplies, including microscope slides and other equipment. Many of these boxes remain sealed but appear to have been left there for an extended period. The container and surrounding area have become overgrown with grass and vines, partially covering the waste.

Alongside the medical supplies, broken hospital items such as wheelchairs, chairs, and other discarded equipment were also found in the area. 

The rubbish problem extends beyond the mortuary area. Around other parts of the hospital, broken fences, scrap metal, and piles of broken floor tiles are scattered, with grass and weeds growing unchecked, giving the hospital grounds a neglected and untidy appearance. Additional concerns include mould growth and broken parts of the hospital building in various locations.

Given the hospital’s vital role in public health, the accumulation of waste and disrepair raises urgent questions about maintenance standards, waste disposal protocols, and inventory control.

In response to these findings, emailed questions were sent to the Acting Director General of Health, Tagaloa Dr Robert Thomsen, and Lealaisalanoa Frances Debra Brown-Reupena, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE). As of this report, both officials have yet to respond.

The community and hospital stakeholders await updates on what actions will be taken to address this growing concern.