Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt was sworn in as the country's eighth prime minister on Tuesday last week. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
Samoan Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Polataivao Leuatea Fosi Schmidt has assured his people he is resting after undergoing medical check-ups for a leg injury at a hospital in Auckland.
Laauli departed Samoa on a private jet on Sunday, just days after being sworn in as the country's eighth prime minister.
According to government policy, the prime minister is entitled to fully funded overseas medical treatment. However, the Samoan government has stated that Laauli's family is covering the costs of his treatment.
In a social media video message on Tuesday, the prime minister said his leg was injured in preparations for the 29 August general election, and that the "trip for treatment was long overdue".
He added that it is not something the country should not be worried.
Mulipola Anarosa Molio'o is overseeing government matters while Laaulialemalietoa recovers in Auckland.
However, the delay by the Samoan government in communicating Laauli's sudden departure on Sunday sparked discussions and concerns about his health.
Victoria University senior lecturer Dr Iati Iati told Pacific Waves that it is not uncommon for political leaders in Samoa to seek medical treatment in New Zealand, but that it highlights the need to improve domestic healthcare facilities.
"It's nothing surprising. I think people have to take into consideration Prime Minister Laauli's position," he said.
"Politics is quite demanding at the best of times, but with all that's happened over the last three years with the government, that was probably a little bit more taxing than usual."
Asked if the state of Laauli's health should have been disclosed to voters, Dr Iati said, "There are two issues: one is medical, and one is political."
"The medical side, it would be really up to Laauli to know whether he was fit for the job or not, and if he did think he was fit for the job and that everything was going to be good post-election, then I don't see any reason why he had to disclose that to the public, because that's really a medical decision.
"Politically, it's probably not the best way to get your government started, especially given the financial situation that the country is in. But these two Issues probably need to be distinguished and then address separately."
Dr Iati said that "it's a good first step" that Laauli is recognising the dire financial situation Samoa is currently in, and that "he's not willing to put the country in a worse situation" by having his family cover his medical bills.
However, he said the Laauli administration will need to address the issue of the quality of Samoa's healthcare system.
"While Prime Minister Laauli is in a position to charter this private flight to get medical treatment, and other politicians can use the government budget to do so, it's important that they also look back at what is available back home and why they don't use... what the majority of Samoans are limited to," he said.
"Hopefully, this is a reminder to the government about the need to upgrade medical facilities and institutions back in the country."
