It is unthinkable that a Government should operate a private hospital with 60% ownership by relatives of Members of Parliament and friends of the Government of the Day, with only 40% of the capital owned by an overseas pharmacist.
And it is proposed to be built for Savaii patients for a start, then Upolu much later.
Who will benefit?
Who are the Shareholders?
What are their financing arrangements?
Who will bear the risk of this investment?
The primary goal of any private business investment is to make a profit in every aspect of their operations.
This private hospital will order medicines and other medical supplies from one source and will control the price of medical supplies and treatments in Samoa to ensure maximum returns on their investment.
Greater transparency is needed on the local financing of this project.
Are local banks or state entities underwriting the local investors?
Are the depositors and contributors protected should this investment run into trouble?
Will the ordinary villager in Savaii be able to afford the services of this private hospital or will it only serve those who can afford it?
The reported list of local investors shows yet again, the Faatuatua i le Atua Samoa ua Tasi (FAST) Government’s absolute disregard for any conflict of interest.
The line between family and personal interests and official government business has been crossed so many times that it has become business as usual.
From awarding contracts and licenses, board appointments, official trips, ceremonial gifts, the list is endless.
Conflict of interest becomes the order of the day as Government continues to expand it in every service it offers.
These continue to erode the trust of our donors, development partners and genuine investors who are watching.
They expect higher standards of accountability and transparency.
Over the last 40 years, under the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) Samoa had built up its systems of checks and balances to protect our nation from threats and risks to our fragile economy and build a solid reputation on the international stage.
That protective wall is being dismantled every day for the last 6 years.
The responsibility for holding the FAST Government accountable and responsible has fallen into the hands of our people, independent media, Judiciary, and the loyal Opposition of the day.
Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi
Leader of HRPP