Finance Minister Stands Against The Purchase Of Dialysis Machines
Minister of Finance Hon. Mulipola Anarosa Molioo
Photo; Eyespyradio 87.5 FM
Rather than providing more dialysis machines, the Minister of Finance has advocated for more diabetes prevention measures.
More than 60,000 people in Samoa are suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease, with the majority of them being over the age of 15.
The National Kidney Foundation has received 499 registrations, including patients who are being monitored and may soon require dialysis treatment.
Members of Parliament had requested an upgrade to the facilities for dialysis and an increase in the number of dialysis machines to meet the demand while debating the National Kidney Foundation's Annual Report.
However, the Finance Minister, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo reacted in Parliament by saying that rather than purchasing more equipment, the attention should be given to reducing the number of diabetic patients.
The National Kidney Foundation, which was founded in 2005 with just six patients, today has 196 patients who require dialysis therapy and are sharing 32 dialysis machines.
More diabetic patients would have passed away by the time the prevalence of diabetes had decreased.
Mulipola claimed that putting money into more facilities would be detrimental to the nation and would unintentionally lead to an increase in the number.
Mulipola's response came after several Members of Parliament asked for more dialysis machines, as well as a call for a proper dialysis facility to be established in the big island of Savai'i.
Mulipola's remarks infuriated the Leader of the Opposition, Lupesoliai Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi.
Tuilaepa says he was taken aback by Mulipola's comments.
He reminded the Minister of the importance of having treatment available in our country for our people.
The purchase of 30 new dialysis machines has been approved by the Cabinet.