Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The many problems with LBJ Medical Center including the latest report of a container of supplies for the hospital that went elsewhere and involved other parties is now the subject of a review and investigation by the Senate Select Investigative Committee (SSIC).

Senators approved the SSIC taking over the issues with LBJ during the Senate session last week Wednesday and adding it to the committee’s agenda of matters for investigation and review.

During the session Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean pointed out the problems that have surfaced concerning the hospital and asked whether or not these issues should be the subject of an SSIC probe.

SSIC chairman Sen. Togiola T.A. Tulafono said that the committee would respond to the requests and wishes of the Senate — and if the Senate wants such issues reviewed and investigated by the SSIC that will be done with appropriate approval of the Senate membership.

Tuaolo then requested a floor motion to include the LBJ problems under the SSIC agenda and the motion was introduced by Sen. Fai’ivae Iuli Godinet and was quickly approved.

Prior to approval of the motion, Tuaolo said the issues with LBJ for SSIC oversight includes money spent on containers.

The Senate President didn’t elaborate further on the issue of containers but Samoa News published two separate stories last week pertaining to former hospital Procurement Manager, Joe Langkilde and his involvement with a 20ft container of goods consigned to LBJ Medical Supplies Division and addressed to Langkilde that was delivered to Lucky Star Inc. dba Canton Mart in Leone. (See Samoa News editions Apr. 04 and Apr. 06 for details.)

Other problems at LBJ have been reported in the past by Samoa News and also raised by senators, involving decision-making by the LBJ board and management.