Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — LBJ top executives, who appeared before the Senate Hospital/ Public Health Committee hearing yesterday morning, were blasted by committee chairman Senator Tuiasina Dr. Salamo Laumoli.

The hospital delegation included CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua, CFO Sefanaiya Kaumaitotoya, Chief Executive Director Dr. Jean Anderson, LBJ Human Resources Director Rowena P. Reid and Acting Chief Medical Director Dr. James Sunia.

During Wednesday’s regular session, Senator Tuiasina reminded members about the hearing scheduled for the next day (yesterday).

He stated that members should have a chance to learn the latest developments of certain issues like the proposed new hospital before the Fono’s long recess, which starts next week. Members would also have the chance to impart advice regarding certain parts of the hospital’s budget and to have the LBJ officials provide proof that the $4.5 million that was transferred off-island has been returned.

The beginning of the yesterday’s hearing was cordial enough with Chairman Tuiasina welcoming the witnesses and thanking them for making time to appear before the committee, and as is customary, he acknowledged the Senate leadership and members in eloquent Samoan oratory.

However, it was like the calm before the storm.

Chairman of the Senate Hospital/ Public Health Committee Senator Tuiasina Dr. Salamo Laumoli during yesterday’s hearing where LBJ management testified.  [photo: Asi A. Fa’asau]

Addressing the LBJ officials directly, he began by criticizing their proposed budget.

 “It was incoherent, disjointed, segmented and almost revealed incompetence, with due respect,” Tuiasina began. “The preparation of the most important budget in the American Samoa Government! So we went ahead and agreed to approve your budget with many reservations. But we don’t want to leave it just like that. Healthcare should never be politicized.”

Tuiasina continued his tirade telling the hospital’s top brass that in the beginning, the Senate stood with them because members wanted positive changes that would improve healthcare for the public.

 “The only way the chairman of the Board is still with you, is because of us,” he declared. “That’s why he’s still there with you. And that is also the only reason why you yourselves are able to remain in your current positions. Then later on, we saw things that doesn’t reflect the moral values and character of our profession.”

Senator Malaepule then intervened and advised the committee chairman to inform members about specific issues to address when directing their questions to the witnesses to save time because there was another hearing scheduled afterwards. He also pointed out that they should not discuss the budget, as this was not a budget hearing.

Tuiasina then stated that there were three important issues he wanted to touch on briefly.

 “The first, is your budget,” Tuiasina persisted. “You need to improve on your budget. It is incoherent, vague and reflects inequality and unprofessionalism.

 “Secondly, ARPA Funds. We need an update on the governor’s intention to use $200 million versus the fact that only the hospital can draw down the funds. We also want two know how the $100 million is utilized.

 “And thirdly, the $4.5 million that was lost and recovered. Can you please provide proof that it has been recovered, because your version of how it was recovered and the Treasury’s version, are completely different.”

Senator Satele Aliitai Lili’o stated that it was his understanding that the LBJ officials had been summoned so that Senate members could voice their concerns on hospital operations, advise them on what is expected of them for the benefit of the people of American Samoa and to encourage them to give it their all in carrying out their duties.

LBJ CEO Dr. Akapusi Ledua when given the chance to address the committee stated that they have received the whole amount of $4,474,207.09 that had been “hacked” and transferred off-island.

He revealed that on August 11, 2023, they received $2 million from Treasury, then on August 23, they received $1.5 million, on September 6, they received $957,192.79 and then on September 14, they received the last amount that was owing, which was $17, 014.30.

 “So as of today, we have recovered the full $4,474,207.09,” Dr. Ledua stated.

However, he revealed that they have still to receive $300,000 of government subsidy for August and September, and $3.8 million of Medicaid money from Treasury.

Regarding the ARPA Funds, Dr. Ledua said that $300 million was given to LBJ and that amount was split in two — $100 million was given to LBJ Hospital and $200 million was earmarked for the new proposed hospital project.

Of the $100 million given to LBJ, he stated that they have spent $1.9 million on personnel, $77,251.00 for the ICU Emergency Room Project at LBJ Hospital, Fagaalu.

Of the $200 million that was given for the new proposed hospital project, as of today, $866,219.00 has already been spent on the design of the new hospital. A total of $199,133,781.00 is left.

After the LBJ CEO’s testimony, Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean advised Committee Chairman Tuiasina to let the witnesses be excused so they can get back to work because the chamber was pressed for time, with the regular session and SSIC hearing still to take place.