The National Health Services –Ministry of Health merger in 2018 created a disparity in doctors' salaries with some getting around SAT$500,000 in salaries, allowances, and overtime, the Parliament has heard.

Responding to concerns expressed by Opposition Members of Parliament during the 2023/24 Budget session this week, who urged the Minister and the Government to prioritise health and resolve the stalemate with the local doctors, Valasi Tafito Selesele said the new rates for healthcare workers' salaries were assessed after the Public Service Commissioner (P.S.C.) discovering there was a mix-up in guidelines and the relevant laws to pay correct overtime rates and allowances for nurses and doctors.

He said this was the result of the merger between the N.H.S. and M.O.H. in 2018 instigated by the former administration with the "loose ends" in the merger process not getting addressed. 

"A lot of people criticising the move do not understand what's happening and why this had to be done," Valasi said. "The merger was approved and executed, but on the operational side of things, there was no clear indication of the guidelines to be used after the two entities were merged. 

"There was a big difference in terms of salary packages offered because of the different guidelines and we are talking about $15–16 million tala differences. There are documents to prove this."

When a proper assessment was done of the past-merger issues relating to staff remuneration, Valasi said it was discovered that there were doctors who received between $400,000 to $600,000 per annum in salaries, overtime payments, and allowances. 

"That is why this had to be done," Valasi added. "So some have enjoyed the sweetness of receiving that kind of money and now refuse to accept the changes. But that's something the Minister cannot control. The commission has its mandate to guide and monitor the operation of the Ministry.

"However, the objection from doctors and the possibility of them going on strike will not threaten me as the Minister. I don't care if I become the most hated Minister, just as long as I am doing what is right for the ministry and the country. 

"I ask whoever wants to go through with that plan [strike] to stop that foolishness. If this is also politically motivated, take off your scrubs and run in the elections. What the P.S.C. is offering is a good deal [as] $190,000 per year for salary, overtime, and allowances is a good deal." 

Valasi then told the House that he has no control over whether the doctors will accept the P.S.C. proposal and at the end of the day it is their right, though his mind is clear on the issue and he will stand up for what is "right and fair".

"So if anyone disapproves of that, then that is up to them. If they also want the Minister to resign I would gladly accept it. But I will stand for what's right and fair. 

"But some of these doctors claim overtime saying they were on call when they are relaxing at home and the nurses have to call them for their advice on patients. That's not fair."

Valasi said he did not want to hide anything and wanted to help the country understand the rationale behind the changes being promulgated by the P.S.C.  

"We feel for the country and we don't want to overspend and abuse money in such a manner."

The Minister with responsibility over the commission and Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa then took the floor to further clarify the issue. 

"This needs to be made clear," Fiamē said. "All the public servants and people working for the Government, are under Government ministries and are supervised by the commission's guidelines and mandates.

"I want to make this clear that for this case, the S.M.A. [Samoa Medical Association] does not negotiate with the Commission. The commission negotiates with the management of the Ministry [M.O.H.]. They employ doctors who are members of the association. 

"If there are issues, they raise it with the Ministry and they voice those issues during negotiations with the Commission."

Fiamē then acknowledged the point raised by the Minister on the affordability of paying "one doctor" over $400,000 a year. 

Ale Vena Ale, the Faleata No. 4 M.P. acknowledged the efforts of Valasi and Fiamē in clarifying these issues. The Sagaga No. 2 M.P. Maulolo Tavita Amosa expressed similar sentiments, however, he urged the Minister to "take it easy". 

The Opposition Leader, Lauofo Pierre Lauofo also echoed similar sentiments from the Opposition bench and pleaded with the Minister to listen to the appeal of the doctors and "reconsider" their decision. 

In response, Valasi said he appreciated the comments and advice from the Members and reminded them that having a strike is nothing new in Samoa as there were strikes in the past. He also added that he can't stop the doctors from going on strike as it is their right.