Local residents and non-residents will benefit from a 20 per cent reduction in consultation fees at the National Hospital, Moto’otua starting this month.

The new price changes were highlighted in a letter on general consultation fees addressed to the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Leausa Dr. Take Naseri from the National Revenue Board.

The letter dated 27 October 2021 signed by the Acting Chairman of the Samoa National Revenue Board, Leiataua Henry Ah Ching was posted at the outpatient area of the National Hospital so all local and non-local residents were aware of the revised fees.

According to the correspondence, the N.R.B. decided to reduce the fees in a meeting convened on 19 October 2021.

“At its meeting held on Tuesday, 19 October 2021, the National Revenue Board (N.R.B.) discussed the reduction in general consultation fees administered by the Ministry of Health (the Ministry) which was part of the new policies under the 2021/2022 Appropriation Act.”

“In this regard the N.R.B. advises as follows…the following table reflects a 20 per cent reduction on the original consultation fees under Output 11 that is to be made effective on the 1 November, 2021.”

The table reveals that residents aged above 15 will now pay $8 and not $10 that was charged previously with $2 cut representing the 20 per cent reduction.

Additionally non-residents of all ages who previously paid $40 now only have to pay $32 after the fee reduction policy was applied.

“The Ministry is hereby advised to ensure that relevant amendments be made to policies, guidelines and legal mandates (if necessary) to make these changes effective by the 1 November," the letter further states.

Attempts by the Samoa Observer to get a comment from the Health Minister, Valasi Tafito Selesele since Tuesday have been unsuccessful. 

The new Government first announced the 20 per cent fee reduction when the Minister for Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Molio’o made reference to it in her budget speech.

Mulipola said that the selected fees and charges on specific services provided by the Government will be reduced by 20 per cent to assist the country during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hospital consultation fees are included as one of the specific services of the Government. Other fees include: registration for private vehicles; business licenses; National Examination fees; Lands and Titles Courts fees and charges; alia licenses; passport fees and charges; and building permits. 

“It is the belief of the new Government that this budget will be the starting point from where a more efficient and more directed use of Government resources can be actioned to ensure social harmony and secure shared prosperity for all the people of Samoa,” said Mulipola.

The Minister also revealed that as part of the new administration's strengthening of health services, the budgetary provision for hospital meals have been increased to cover all inpatient care across the country.

Work has already begun to roll out the repair and refurbishment of all district hospitals as well as clinical staff residency to secure improved healthcare at the community level.

In terms of district hygiene and health committees, the Government will invest in ensuring the Committees are trained and equipped to guide and lead health promotion programmes at the community level.