Is the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital in Moto'otua in an unhealthy state? That is what it seems like. While the Ministry of Health tries to improve the hospital bit by bit, the lack of commitment from the government towards the facility is worrying.

The big hospital’s condition continues to deteriorate and to make things worse there have been sewage leaks in the Acute 8 ward.

Patients and caregivers alike have expressed dismay over the dire conditions, urging authorities to take immediate action to address the pressing need for repairs and upgrades.

The sewage leaks within the hospital have prompted an outcry from in-house patients and caregivers.

A subsequent visit by the Samoa Observer confirmed the gravity of the situation, revealing a myriad of problems including sewage leaks, mold, spider webs inside air conditioning units, broken doors and toilets, and malfunctioning air conditioning systems in certain areas.

In Acute 8, officials have resorted to using brown cardboard boxes to cover the floor beneath the sewage leaks from the ceiling, with staff tirelessly mopping the area to prevent accidents.

It is a sad state of affairs as there seems to be no real commitment from the government to improve the so called big hospital. And if the state of the big hospital is such then what would be the state of other hospitals?

Last year, an American army doctor described working out of a district hospital as being in a war zone, her description was meant to say that proper equipment and infrastructure were not available at the hospital. Sadly, the lady doctor was expelled from the country by her people for speaking her mind because it was perceived as hurting diplomatic relations.

Now, we have sewage leaks inside the biggest hospital in the country. It is not only unsatisfactory and unsanitary for patients but for the staff who work at the hospital. People are often quick to criticize doctors and nurses for leaving the country, but if this is the type of work environment that is offered to the medical staff, who would not leave.

Yet, the government fails to commit to improving the health system. Before the 2021 elections, the current government said they would improve the health standards in the country. It was just another empty promise.

Right now, we are seeing $21 million committed by the government for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and there have been more promises from development partners towards CHOGM but there has been no real word on investment into the health system.

The big hospital was built during the former administration with aid from China. The building has flaws and it is not just over 10 years old. Should this particular development partner be held responsible for poor quality infrastructure or should the government be accountable for the upkeep of the hospital?

In the case of the hospital, it is still bewildering that the government will not commit to any direct investment in the infrastructure. It is common knowledge, that the current government is not taking any debt or risking going into additional loans as it tries to zero off the current borrowings. However, this is no excuse for not investing in infrastructure that is important to the people.

While this is the state of the biggest hospital, one could imagine what it would be like in the district hospitals. A lot of equipment is not in place, there is a major human resource issue and to make it worse, there have been stories of shortage of necessary medicine.

It is perplexing that the government would use all its resources to focus on CHOGM when the real issue is the health system in Samoa. Why is the government so keen on impressing foreigners at the cost of its people?

The doctors and nurses who continue to serve the nation despite the atrocious conditions and lack of facilities need to be appreciated.

The people of this country deserve better health facilities and the responsible government should provide that. If the government is not willing to take the risk of investing in health on its own, then the health of everyone in Samoa is at stake.