The Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma has described reports that there were no radiologists at the national hospital at Moto'otua as "inaccurate". 

The concerns arose after a senior medical practitioner highlighted on social media that there was no radiologist to interpret X-ray reports.

To clarify the situation, the Samoa Observer reached out to Aiono for more information regarding the status of radiology services at the National Hospital in Moto'otua.

Dr. Ekeroma addressed the claim that there might be no radiologists on staff. "Inaccurate," he said. 

He confirmed that there is a radiologist from China working at the hospital. 

He added that the Public Service Commission (P.S.C.) had previously advertised for an overseas radiologist in March, and they are currently in negotiations with a potential candidate to start in December. 

Additionally, he noted that while a local radiologist was appointed last March, he had recently resigned due to health reasons.

Addressing the interim measures for managing radiology needs, Dr. Ekeroma stated, "We have two radiologists in the country and service agreements have been discussed with one of them." 

This suggests that there are ongoing efforts to ensure that radiology services continue to be available during this period.

Looking towards the future, Dr. Ekeroma emphasised the importance of maintaining a robust radiology service. 

He explained, "It is our policy to continuously train specialists essential for our needs." 

The hospital’s registrar is currently undergoing training overseas in radiology, reflecting a commitment to immediate and long-term solutions for sustaining radiology services.

These responses from Dr. Ekeroma aim to reassure the public and address concerns about the impact of radiology staffing on patient care. 

Last year, in April, Aiono confirmed that there were only two qualified radiologists in Samoa to read imaging scans and results from CT scans and diagnose and treat injuries and diseases using medical imaging (radiology). 

Dr. Atoa Glen Fatupaito is no longer with the Ministry. Dr. Adam Keil-Howman is the one who resigned due to "health issues".