The Health Minister has instructed the Director-General of Health to prepare all the necessary documentation for the Leader of the Opposition to be medevaced overseas for check-up following his hospitalisation.

This was confirmed by the Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele in an interview with the media on Wednesday. 

The Samoa Observer understands that the orders by the Health Minister were tabled in Cabinet on Wednesday afternoon.

The former prime minister, Tuilaepa Dr. Sa'ilele Malielegaoi was admitted to the Moto'otua Hospital on Thursday last week and is now recovering at home.

His absence from parliament's sessions which started on Tuesday was acknowledged in Chamber as the Speaker of the House prayed for his health and recovery. 

Responding to queries from the media, Valasi said he visited the veteran politician upon receiving the news that he was held at the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) last week. 

"I went to see him (Tuilaepa)," Valasi said. "We had a great conversation and he was strong."

He then confirmed that he had instructed his Ministry's C.E.O. Leausa Dr. Take Naseri to prepare documentation for Tuilaepa to be taken overseas for a medical check-up "as soon as possible."

"That's what I said to the C.E.O. to prepare everything because of the reports from the doctors which suggested that he (Tuilaepa) needs to have his usual check-up overseas and lots of rest," he said.

"So that's why I asked the C.E.O. and the Ministry to prepare the papers as soon as possible."

Asked about the possibility that the Opposition Leader might turn down the offer, Valasi said: "That's up to him, because as we all know, Tuilaepa is a workaholic. 

"But he needs to be mindful of his health and his age – he needs the proper care and a lot of rest so he can continue his service to the country. 

"He is a very important person, therefore, he needs to look after his health. 

"He can go and then come back when he is fully recovered and in good health and then continue to attend parliament sessions."