Gov urges AHL to expedite the final designs of new hospital

The lack of resources for healthcare in the Pacific is one of the issues cited by Governor Lemanu Palepoi Sialega Mauga when meeting with representatives from Architects Hawaii Ltd (AHL) from Honolulu, Hawaii regarding the new 40-bed hospital to be built at the Lions Park.

The meeting was to set a timeline for the New Hospital.

In a statement issued, Governor Lemanu cited that one major issue in the Pacific Islands is the insufficient resources of healthcare, forcing local patients to travel to other countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the United States for medical referrals.

He said the goal of this new facility is to have adequate resources and to hire specialists to diagnose, treat, and care for our people.

Also, these services will also allow American Samoa to become a healthcare provider to all of the Pacific island nations.”

AHL Project Director said, their assessments regarding off-island referrals from American Samoa are primarily Cardiology, Orthopedic, Ophthalmology, Neurology and Oncology.

They do not want to duplicate any services LBJ is providing and they plan to provide additional services to cater to the five major areas the people of American Samoa are being referred to off-island medical care for,” commented Project Director.

Governor Lemanu has urged AHL to expedite the final designs and work closely with the local team to start construction of the hospital.

A total of $50 million of the $300 million from the (ARPA)federal American Rescue Plan

is allocated for the recruitment, retention, and retraining of staff at LBJ and the proposed new 40-bed facility in Tafuna.