Cabinet Approval of NZD$1.2 Million from Unforeseen Budget Allocation to cover Approved Patients for Overseas Treatment.
Cabinet has approved the use of NZD$1.2 Million from Government’s Unforeseen Budget Allocation to finance fees for patients, whom have been approved for overseas treatment.
The need for this re-financing is a result of the increasing number of local patients being transferred overseas, with the majority sent to New Zealand, for necessary medical attention. Dr. Benjamin, the New Zealand specialist in charge of Samoa’s patients to New Zealand, has informed Cabinet that the NZD$1.2 Million will specifically cover the fees of patients that have already received medical treatment.
Renal Dialysis Programme in Samoa
Cabinet has approved preparations by the Ministry of Health for the establishment of a Renal Dialysis Programme in Samoa.
Cabinet has directed the Ministry of Health to: form a Task Force which will be chaired by the CEO, Ministry of Health; provide Cabinet with the Terms of Reference of the Task Force; and, to promptly form a National Kidney Foundation of Samoa which will be in close collaboration with the National Kidney Foundation of Singapore.
The above information and suggestions will be put before Cabinet for its final decision.
Ministry of Health provides Service for Major Religious Conferences held in Samoa.
The Ministry of Health is putting into action a new policy enabling the Ministry to provide medical services at Major Religious Conferences and Meetings held in Samoa.
This initiative will provide attendants of great religious gatherings and meetings with immediate medical action should any emergencies occur. Medical staff that will be on hand at these gatherings will also be providing blood pressure checks as well as medical advice.
The Ministry of Health’s new service policy was initially put into practice at the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa ‘Fono Tele’ that is currently taking place at Malua.