The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) has entrusted six district councils with a critical new role, overseeing monthly grounds maintenance and conducting comprehensive deep cleans of district hospitals every three months. 

This initiative was formalised on Thursday morning at the Ministry's headquarters in Moto’otua with the signing of contracts.

In his keynote address, Minister of Health Valasi Tafito Selesele highlighted that this long-anticipated project is now in full effect, thanks to binding agreements with the district councils, endorsed directly by the Cabinet.

The signing ceremony focused on the district councils responsible for hospitals in Upolu, specifically for Saanapu, Satupuala, Lufilufi, Lalomanu, Leulumoega, and Falealilii 1. 

A follow-up session will take place on Friday 6 September to finalise contracts with the district councils in Savai’i.

Valasi revealed that the Ministry has previously spent over $10 million annually on contractors, who often had to travel from Apia to rural areas, including Savai’i. 

The new initiative aims to involve local village groups, including women’s committees, youth groups, and aumaga (untitled men), in the maintenance tasks. 

The Ministry will fund these efforts directly to the district councils, ensuring that funds are allocated specifically for the designated groups performing the work.

The updated contracts offer increased payments of $1,500 each for grounds maintenance and deep cleaning. However, this initiative does not cover the larger Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital and the Tuasivi Hospital. The two hospitals will receive a different funding arrangement.

The ceremony saw contracts signed by various officials, including MPs and district council secretaries, with a few councils still pending finalisation. 

Specifically, contracts were signed for Sa’anapu, Satapuala, Leulumoega, and Falealili 1, while Anoamaa No. 2 and Aleipata Itupa I Luga will finalise their agreements tomorrow.

Additionally, each district hospital has been allocated a new 15-seater van to support their Non-communicable Diseases (N.C.D.s) awareness and Primary Health Care services. 

These vehicles were recently donated by Japan and should be used exclusively for their intended purposes, according to Minister Valasi. The use of ambulances for these tasks will be phased out as the new vehicles become operational.

The signing of contracts and distribution of vehicles for the Savai’i district hospitals will also take place on Friday with the Ministry of Health’s Director General, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma, confirming that these resources are being provided directly to the hospitals.