The Malietoa Tanumafili II hospital in Tuasivi, Savaii celebrated the opening of its new $1.4 million kitchen to cater for in-patients this week. 

Schwarz Construction Ltd carried out the construction work for seven months and the project included the installation of ovens, freezers and coolers, storage rooms and is equipped with utensils. 

The Minister of Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele was in Savaii to commemorate this milestone that was made possible through cost savings of the Ministry of Health. 

Valasi said the importance of the Savaii main hospital having its kitchen to cater for in-patients will save money and be hygienic. 

This will support patients' dietary needs and eliminate fast food such as fish and chips, salted beef and other unhealthy diet. 

 He stressed the need to use vegetables and fruits for a nutritious diet for patients and the kitchen support hands including dieticians will be staff from the Ministry. 

“If you look at the high percentage of people treated with dialysis, the question is why, the cause is our diet,” said Valasi. 

“The biggest spending from the government is for overseas treatment for our people but the treatment is in our hands by eating balanced nutritious food.”  

 According to the Minister, the Ministry would need to employ staff from Upolu to assist in starting up the kitchen in Savaii due to a shortage of workers. 

The government also emphasised the Samoan saying that what is good for Upolu is good for the people living in Savaii. 

Valasi said the development enhances health services in the island and also accommodated for the needs of foreign visitors.