Health merger hits cost bump

01 March 2018, 12:00AM

The merger between the Ministry of Health and National Heath Services has hit a speed bump.

The Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama, said the merger will continue to be delayed as they try to find funds to meet the projected $10 million cost.

The merger was to be implemented last month but it is now unclear when it will happen.

The Minister told TV1 that there are also pay increases approved by Cabinet as far back as 2013 that have not been implemented.

"We need to clean up these things that have been postponed for a long time so it doesn't bog us down in future," said the Minister.

He added that severance pay for those who will lose their jobs in the merger will be about $US1.9 million.

The Minister said there has to be a change in the current law and that has to be tabled in Parliament along with a budget for the planned move.

He said the changes are expected to be tabled in Parliament in March.

01 March 2018, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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