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Samoa Med Council revokes doctor’s license, patients in limbo

The Samoa Medical Council (S.M.C.) has revoked the medical license of a Chinese Neurologist who has been working at the hospital for 19 years claiming he “is not a certified physician” but a “traditional healer.”  

The Chairman of S.M.A, Leali’ifano Dr. Iopu Tanielu, confirmed the decision in response to questions from the Sunday Samoan. 

Dr. Lee is disappointed about the decision. He said it was unfair and it did not go through due process. 

But even more disappointed are some of Dr. Lee’s patients. One in particular who had a stroke 10 years ago said it is a matter of life and death for him.

“I have been going to the hospital three times already to try and get another prescription for my medication but I was turned away because Dr. Lee is no longer working,” he said. 

“He’s the only Neurologist that’s currently working at the hospital and it’s disturbing because this deals directly with my health." 

“Life is health and health is life, so what about other patients who suffered strokes and have worse conditions than me... how are they coping with it?”

But Leali’ifano stands by S.M.C’s decision.

 “We have concrete evidence,” he said adding that “it was the legal opinion from the Attorney General which led to the decision.” 

According to Dr. Lee, his services were terminated without an explanation.

 “I feel sorry for my patients,” he said.  

Dr. Lee started at the hospital in 1995 as an Aid for the Chinese government.

Read more at Samoa Observer