Reporter Gutu Faasau and Photographer Piui Simi talk to members of the public to hear their views on the push by doctors in public hospitals for a pay rise.

Petelo Tofaiono, 21, Malie.

“It needs to be raised and the reason is that if we do not have doctors how are Samoans going to live [when they are sick]? If we see what is happening in our country and current affairs, we obviously need them. There are many young children and just as many youths and not a lot of doctors. They should receive a pay rise because we want them to keep on working and not for them to feel discouraged at work.”

Sauileone Tuauu, 49, Vailoa and Aleipata.

“They should satisfy the doctor’s request for an increase in their pay and they really need to make that possible. It is natural for everyone to receive a rise in their pay for their hard work and I say yes to that. The cost of living is increasing and everyone could use that extra help.”

Ioane Ah Tai, 60, Mulifanua.

“Doctors work for very long hours and I believe that this is something that has to be done to compensate for that. I hope our country does something about it. The work that they do is hard work and they deserve it.”

Anastasia Wulf, 20, Vaoala.

“I agree with a doctor's pay rise as they are always on the job. We have to remember that when a patient dies in their care it weighs down on them mentally and these are the things people should look at, such as things like overtime which obviously has to be paid.”

Jodine Smith, 19, Mulifanua.

“If we look at many other jobs, being a doctor requires a lot of commitment and takes a lot of your time as a professional so it is a must to increase their pay and I agree that they deserve it with the way they have been serving our country.”

Fiti Laulu, 17, Solosolo.

“It would be nice to see them get a pay rise, especially too for the nurses because they play an important role in our country. They help us when we are sick and look after us when we are sick and this is one of the ways we can help them. They have helped me a lot and I love the work that they do.”