Patients who made their way to Faleolo Hospital on Thursday night found that the medical facility did not have doctors on duty, with nurses providing medical care.

William Savaiinaea, 25, from Sagafili, said he went to the hospital around 10 pm with his daughter. “I was told there were no doctors on duty, only nurses,” he said. He noted that he was particularly concerned about what would happen if his daughter required urgent medical attention during the night.

Laelae Matai from Mulifanua also reported being at the hospital on Thursday night. She confirmed that doctors were not available and that nurses were managing routine care. “I understand that nurses can provide basic assistance, but there are cases that require a doctor’s immediate attention,” she said, highlighting the risks in serious situations during night hours.

Tausaili Ropati from Leulumoega said she visited the hospital during the night and found that doctors were not on duty. She described how patients were being attended to by nurses while waiting for further medical support, noting that serious medical cases could not be fully addressed without a doctor.

Nurses on duty confirmed that they were providing care to patients.

The absence of doctors during night shifts at district hospitals such as Faleolo is concerning, say people.  For many, the facility serves as the first point of medical care for residents in surrounding communities. Patients who require urgent or serious treatment at night often report facing delays in treatment.