The Prime Minister, La'aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt, met with doctors and nurses of the Ministry of Health to discuss ways to tackle the difficulties faced at the hospitals.

At the centre of discussions were staff and medicine shortages. 

The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, was attended by more than a hundred nurses and doctors.

Prime Minister La'auli said in Samoan "e taua le fale, ae silisili ona taua le anofale" (the house is important, but what's more important is what's inside the house).

He referred to the services provided at the hospital, which range from manpower to the resources used, which should be perfect so that they go together with the buildings and facilities used.

La'aulialemalietoa told the doctors and nurses that if there's a shortage of doctors and assistance is needed, do not hesitate to ask the government for help.

"There are always countries like India and New Zealand that could help with doctors and are partnering with Samoa," La'aulialemalietoa said during this meeting.

"Working together is very important so that the building coincides with the "anofale" and services provided to the people of Samoa," he said.

La'aulialemalietoa highlighted that it was reported that more than 1000 Samoans die each year from different kinds of illness, and this needs to be tackled by providing the best services.

The meeting was held after a report from the Minister of Health, Va'aaoao Alofipo, was given to the cabinet about the areas that need urgent attention at the ministry.

This discussion was the first since the new government took office in September.