Apia, SAMOA — The Samoa Medical Association celebrated and held it’s 71st Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference on the 30th and 31st of May 2018. 

The theme for this year followed that of the World Health Organisation’s for 2018: “Universal Health Coverage; Health for All” 

The two-day occasion was well attended by members and was opened by Rev.  Nouata Saifoloi, E.F.K.S. Vailoa Uta Parish, with a devotional prayer and message; followed by the Keynote address by the Minister of Health, Tuitama Dr. Leao Talalelei Tuitama. 

Highlighted in his speech was the approval of Doctors’ Salaries Readjustment to align with the 2013 Doctors’ Career Structure. This is an issue, which has been the point of numerous discussions and debate of late. 

Welcoming Remarks and a report of notable academic medical achievements in the past 12 months were conveyed; and congratulated by S.M.A. President 2017-2018 Lauano Sala Dr. Herbert Peters. 

Other issues highlighted in his speech was the glaring shortage of doctors working in Samoa with only 79 in practice; the majority as National Health Services employees. 

Samoa needs more doctors to meet the ideal World Health Organisation ratio of 1:1000 clinicians to patient. With its current population of 190000, there is a glaringly obvious mismatch of 1:2500 ratio of clinicians to patient. 

Supporting the recruitment of new quality doctors by supporting the two Medical Schools – Faculty of Medicine (National University of Samoa) and the Oceania University of Medicine – via teaching and capacity building; and supporting the realignment of doctors’ salaries; are some ways SMA strives to achieve and meet the ideal 1:1000 ratio to improve and strengthen Universal Health for all Samoans. 

A most humbling and proud moment in all S.M.A. annual meetings is the recital of the Hippocratic Oath which every Medical Doctor at the start of their career promises and swears to uphold in all his life. 

Led by S.M.A. Immediate Past President 2016—2017 Namulau’ulu Dr. M Nu’ualofa Tuuau-Potoi, all doctors swear an oath to “First do no Harm” and to “Always put the needs of patients first”. 

An anticipated S.M.A. tradition, which was revived in 2015; and has been a feature in all Annual General Meetings since, is the Welcoming Ava Ceremony. It is a proud moment for SMA as it showcases the richness of the faa-Samoa there is, embedded within the Association. This was followed by the AGM whereby the Presidency was officially handed over from SMA President 2017-2018 Lauano Sala Dr Herbert Peters to SMA President 2018-2019 Dr Tanyamarie Petaia. 

The newly elected Executive Committee are: Dr. Tanyamarie Petaia (President 2018/2019), Fuimaono Dr. Aleki Fuimaono (President Elect), Dr Folototo Leavai (Secretary), Dr. Glen Fatupaito (Treasurer), Dr Juniour Posini (Assistant Secretary), Dr Dyxon Hansell (Assistant Treasurer) and Executive members: Namulau’ulu Dr M Nuualofa Tu’u’au Potoi, Leniu Dr Asaua Fa’asino, Pomau Dr Pesamino Une, Professor Aiono Dr Alec Ekeroma (overseas rep) and Dr Raymond La’ulu (Juniour doctors’ rep). 

The Annual Scientific Conference 2018 officially launched on Thursday 31st May and saw an array of speakers with expertise in Public Health and a wealth of knowledge and innovative ideas towards achieving Universal Health Coverage for all Samoans. 

Read more at Samoa Observer