24 Sep 2004

Fraud probe prompts Samoa health ministry change

1:48 pm on 24 September 2004

Reports from Samoa says a senior health official has taken over the department after his predecessor was suspended as part of a fraud investigation.

Authorities have been tightlipped about the suspension of Chief Executive Officer for the Ministry of Health, Taulealeausumai Eti Enosa, on full pay, pending the outcome of investigations.

Our correspondent in Apia, Alan Ah Mu, says Taulealeausumai has been replaced by the former director of Preventive Health Services, whilst the probe continues.

"There's another senior health manager, Namulauulu Doctor Nuualofa Potoi, who's taken over the running of the health department at the moment, and the Secretary to Cabinet was careful to point out that it's just a suspension, and that the CEO is innocent until proven guilty."

Alan Ah Mu says it's the biggest such investigation by the Public Service Commission into the health ministry.

Last month, Samoa's Health Minister, Mulitalo Siafausa, spoke out against theft from hospitals.