The Minister of Health, Va‘a‘ao Alofipo, said that the CT scan machine at the National Hospital is now operational again; however, only one machine is working to produce oxygen, while the other remains damaged.

He made the comments in an interview on the Government of Samoa programme Fesilafā‘iga ma le Mālō on Friday, 16 January.

He also confirmed that only one oxygen machine is currently working, as Samoa continues to wait for spare parts for the remaining machines. In the meantime, the hospital is sourcing oxygen supplies from American Samoa.

“It’s good news that our CT scanner is now functioning properly,” he said. “It’s working again.”

A CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) is a medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. It is commonly used to detect injuries, tumours, infections, internal bleeding, and other conditions, helping doctors make accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.

Va‘a‘ao added that he visited the hospital last week and noted the dedication of the staff.

“Remember that this team has many people working at night. If you don’t get the chance during the daytime, don’t leave yet—there are also people working at night,” he said.

He also highlighted that medical personnel, including doctors, are on duty and can operate the CT scan machine if needed.

The hospital is currently operating with only one functioning oxygen machine, while spare parts for the others are still awaited from America. To prevent malfunctions, each machine—the container unit and the one from New Zealand—is rotated to run for 12 hours before being rested, as advised by the repairs team, according to him.

The minister said the hospital will wait for spare parts for the other machines. Meanwhile, all oxygen bottles are being sourced from American Samoa. Some shipments arrived last week, and a new order of 200–300 bottles is expected soon to ensure the supply does not run out.

Oxygen is critical not only for patients at the National Hospital but also for other hospitals around Samoa, including those in Savai‘i, as well as for patients receiving care at home.

He also reaffirmed that many medicines and vaccines have now arrived and are being managed by the hospital staff. He encourages the public to get vaccinated, as the hospitals are now fully stocked.

He further reassured that all Ministry of Health staff, from doctors to kitchen personnel who worked overtime, have received their overtime pay.