(inset phot l-r – MOH Director General Aiono Professor Alerc Ekeroma with Hrpp Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi overlooking the TTM Hospital Motootua.
By Staff Writer
Government has remained unusually quiet at lashing criticisms alleged against a conflict of interest by the Ministry of Health Director General, Aiono Prof Alec Ekeroma, as owner also of a private hospital.
The Opposition leader, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, has raged persistently at the issue as a glaring disgrace, in his recent weekly media sessions.
“What I cannot believe is how a person who runs a private health business is appointed by Government to run the Ministry of Health as well,” Tuilaepa questioned.
His latest outrage is at reports of x-ray equipment failure inside the TTM Hospital that was allegedly blamed on the Electric Power Corporation, EPC.
Tuilaepa pointed to a media report from the head of the EPC, denying the TTM Hospital equipment failure had anything to do with the power outages.
He rubbished the Director General’s reported blame of the EPC as a coverup of faults inside the Ministry from poor management.
A comparison of better management was taken of the dialysis service operations inside the TTM Hospital compound at Moto’otua.
“The National Kidney Foundation is still running well without any electrical concerns from their own standby generators and other power regulating equipment,” Tuilaepa emphasised.
“I take off my hat to the Foundation management for maintaining a smooth operation to this critical service where health risks are high at any power disruptions.”
Tuilaepa alleged also that the Director General is behind reported plans of a private overseas health provider company to set up in Samoa.
His primary concern is at the added service coming at the expense of unfair competition against local doctors private medical service.
The main worry is the likelihood of a health provider monopoly that will put unnecessary pressure on the survival of private medical practices.
“Government should appreciate the expense of sending our doctors for overseas training and the advantages they have of understanding the Samoan people better than outsiders brought in.”
Tuilaepa is adamant that there are other issues of serious concern evolving out of the Director General’s conflict of interest that he will be keeping track of.
He called on Government to take another closer look at the injustice and to have it attended to before the general public is affected.
Aiono Professor Alec Ekeroma, however, has rejected all claims against him and has told a local media that he will respond to any issue raised directly with him.