The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) welcomed 100 nurses who graduated with a Bachelors in Nursing and became registered nurses on Thursday at the Tuutuuileloloto Hal as this significantly boosts the number of nurses in the health sector but more are needed.

There were 23 enrolled nurses, 63 registered nurses and 14 midwife nurses who graduated with diplomas.

Reverend Ma’auga Motu led the special celebration with a brief service followed by the keynote address delivered by the Minister of Health, Valasi Luapitofanua Togamaga Tafito Selesele.

Valasi discussed the significance of upholding one's oath and remaining faithful to one's calling. He added by saying that choosing such a challenging, honourable, and rigorous path is a major step.

"These past few months have equipped you to handle the demands of your work, to be the greatest, to serve the people of Samoa with your service, and to make sure they are healthy,” Valasi said.

"Keep in mind your vow.

"As you have come this far, you should be celebrating today. Your parents, families, friends, and villages should all be proud of what you have accomplished."

“Don’t forget, the life of people is in your hands and you have to do your work with all honesty to help those in pain.

“Best wishes and congratulations on carrying out your nursing responsibilities.”

According to the Minister of Health, the health sector needed more as there was a big decline over the years.

“The number of nurses has drastically decreased because the majority of them have taken on other responsibilities rather than completing their assigned work.

“We need more nurses to serve our people, as we can see the number of patients in Samoa has increased especially dialysis cases.

"We think this is a good number of new nurses, and they will help the health sector in many ways going forward.”