Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — LBJ Medical Center board chairman Dr. Malouamaua Tuiolosega has told senators that he does not support building a new hospital, and prefers that funds allocated for this project to be used to upgrade the current medical center.

Dr. Tuiolosega made the public revelation at last Friday’s Senate Hospital/Public Health Committee hearing, when he was asked for his view and opinion by Sen. Malaepule Saite Moliga.

Dr. Tuiolosega recalled for senators his testimony in the past during his confirmation hearing to the LBJ board if directors when asked about this same issue. And his was response at the time, was that he supports it.

However, now that he is an LBJ board member, and after reviewing everything within the hospital, Dr. Tuiolosega said he currently does not support building a new hospital.

He believes in re-allocating funds for the new hospital for upgrades to the current hospital, which is also faced with a nurse shortage.

As previously reported by Samoa News, the Lemanu-Talauega Administration is firm in its commitment to build a new $21 million 40-bed hospital in Tafuna and Gov. Lemanu P. S Mauga in his State of the Territory Address, also spoke about it, and the Administration is moving forward on this project.

In his address, the governor informed lawmakers early last week, that LBJ continues to address challenges such as infrastructure maintenance, renovation, critical repairs, and the lack of qualified personnel to meet staffing needs.

“Investing in a new medical facility and increasing our basic response capacity will provide American Samoa adequate response capabilities,” he said.

According to the governor, improving healthcare remains a priority for the Lemanu-Talauega Administration, and he welcomes the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation funding to the American Samoa Government to design and build a new hospital in Tafuna; continuing with upgrades and he thinks that expansions of the existing LBJ hospital is a monumental step forward in improved healthcare as promised to our people.

Furthermore, these funds represent an important and much-needed development in what will be a lengthy and ongoing effort.

Services that will be provided in the new hospital, according to the governor include: Cardiology; Urology; Orthopedic; Neurosurgery; and Oncology.

“Having these services readily available in American Samoa will aid and reduce the cost of off-island referrals and medical appointments,” he said.

Samoa News notes that upgrades and expansions cited in the governor’s address are also funded with the ARPA allocation, and Samoa News reported on these upgrades last year.