Failures in the hospital system, and an external review of Samoa’s police services were issues highlighted by Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt this week.

He outlined a wide range of national challenges and developments during his weekly Friday press conference.

Laaulialemalietoa opened by acknowledging China’s long-standing development assistance, confirming that three new school buildings, Apia Primary School, Lepea Primary School and St Therese, valued at about $30 million, have now been completed.

“Our partnership with China spans more than 50 years,” he said. He said the Chinese Embassy have contributed to hospitals, schools, agriculture, fisheries and also provided scholarships.”

The Prime Minister also discussed matters raised in Cabinet on Wednesday, including appointments to the Independent Selection Committee. He said all state-owned enterprises (SOE) now have appointed board members and that all available positions across government agencies should be reviewed.

Laaulialemalietoa further confirmed that a New Zealand police team is in Samoa conducting a “review” of the Ministry of Police, an arrangement he discussed with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during his recent eight-week stay in New Zealand.

“This type of review should have been carried out a long time ago,” he said. “It is about time we put this review together.” He added that the review would also extend to the Prisons and Correction Services, emphasising that strengthening Samoa’s security framework is crucial for the country’s future.

Regarding the situation at Samoa’s hospitals, the Prime Minister said a specialist company arrived on Friday to assess widespread equipment failures, including CT (Computed Tomography) scanners, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machines, and oxygen systems, and to address the ongoing medicine shortage.

“Right now, when people are sick, we are guessing what exactly their sickness is,” he said. He explained that once the machines are restored, proper diagnosis will reduce the number of patients needing to be sent overseas. He also acknowledged a shortage of technicians, saying, “We should have 10, but only four or five are working; that is why we cannot maintain the hospital.”

The PM said the New Zealand High Commission has committed to providing a new oxygen unit, and the government is assessing additional machinery, training and engineering support to stabilise the hospital system. Oceania Gas has also been contacted as a backup supplier.

He said the cabinet also discussed the future of Samoa’s sports facilities, confirming that 260 acres at Tuanaimato have now been formally placed under the Ministry of Sports.

The Prime Minister also noted ongoing engagement with American Samoa ahead of the opening of its new Maota Fono, which he will attend on 28 November.