29 Sep 2005

Samoa commission on doctors' pay gags ministry

8:28 am on 29 September 2005

The Commission of Inquiry set up by the Samoa government, to look into grievances by striking public doctors has directed senior health ministry officials not to talk to the media.

The minister, Mulitalo Siafausa Vui who told the Samoa Observer that the instructions had been issued in a letter from the chairman of the commission, Matatauali'itia Afa Lesa.

Mulitalo said that one of the concerns is that some of the news reports may be affecting international donor agencies which are providing Samoa with Indian and Chinese doctors.

The gag order has reportedly angered Health Minsitry staff who say that the edict also covers the Health CEO Palantina Toelupe.