Several years ago, an independent, high level scoping team from Australia, visited Samoa on behalf of what was known then as the Indo-Pacific Centre for Health Security. They came to meet with the Government, under the H.R.P.P. regime at the time, about the Australian Government’s Health Security Initiative for the Indo-Pacific region, which covers Samoa. 

Their mission was to assess Samoa’s health security priorities and its capacity to address them; and identify options for Australian support. From the visit, a document titled the “Pacific Health Security Scoping Mission: Samoa Country Report” was written and published. Under findings and observations with regards to health security threats and vulnerability in Samoa, the mission found a number of problems with the health system ranging from the obvious shortage of doctors and nurses to challenges in Public Health Emergency Preparedness and surveillance, risk assessment and response among others. 

The findings about the laboratories were among the chief concerns, especially the absence of a full-time Pathologist on staff at the Moto’otua hospital. 

Reads the report: “There is no full-time Pathologist on staff at TTMH. Histology samples are referred to New Zealand and results may not be available for weeks or months. A visiting pathologist who will be available for 1 week every 2 months was recently appointed; however, this arrangement may not be sustainable for the longer term.  A resident pathologist would also provide consultations concerning interpretation of laboratory tests and initiate new diagnostic methodologies and capacities identified by TTMH and MOH that should be enhanced.”

The report is available online; one of many medical reports and news articles that have highlighted the need for Samoa to have its own Pathologist. To be sure, this is not a new problem. It has existed since the H.R.P.P came into power and held the reigns for nearly 40 years and while a lot of talk was done in stating the obvious, nothing was ever really achieved. Even up until now. 

How do we know? All you have to do is read the story titled “Lack of forensic pathologist prolonging grief” published on the Samoa Observer on Friday. The story highlighted concerns by a Supreme Court Justice who lamented Samoa’s lack of a forensic pathologist, which he said is prolonging the grief of families who cannot immediately bury their loved ones, until postmortems are done.

Justice Lei’ataualesa Daryl Clarke made the point during the case where it was revealed that the deceased was not released to his family for burial for over nine months, due to the country lacking the services of a full-time forensic pathologist.

“Having suffered the loss of their child and the immense grief that flows from that loss, being unable to lay Mose to rest, draws out the grieving process and exacerbates the pain and loss felt by loved ones left behind,” Leiataualesa said. “Serious concerns with the extended absence of pathologist services in-country has been raised by Judge Papali’i in her capacity as Coroner on a number of occasions. Similarly, concerns have also been raised by Senior Justice Nelson.”

We agree with Justice Lei’ataualesa and we also confirm that the issue has been raised time and time again by Judge Papali’i as well as Senior Justice Vui, among many other well meaning Samoans. 

It’s tough enough when people lose loved ones through death. The mourning period, which is both painful and unavoidable, is not something you would want to subject anyone else to. But to keep the deceased in the mortuary for nine months, due to the lack of a forensic pathologist, is cruel to say the least. As Justice Lei’ataualesa rightly pointed out, this only prolongs the suffering and pain of the families. What’s worse is that it is illegal. 

Let us remind the Ministry of Health, the Police, Government and all the relevant authorities today that an autopsy is a statutory requirement for a deceased, where and when it is necessary. In other words, it is not an option. As the Government, they have an obligation to ensure this legal requirement is satisfied. 

Obviously the previous Government failed in this regard. Either they didn’t care or they just couldn’t be bothered, which is regrettable. But that is in the past. This is 2022 and the fact that Samoa, which just celebrated her 60^th Independence anniversary, does not have a specialist pathologist is unacceptable. 

There are so many intelligent Samoans here and abroad. Surely one of them could have been trained in his area? Surely a few of them could have been persuaded to pursue this as a career path? Surely there are Samoans who could be well qualified for this role? Why is it in this day and age are we even having this conversation? 

We reiterate the Court’s concerns and add our voice to the strengthening chorus on the need for a Pathologist. How? It is quite simple. The Government must lead the way and provide incentives for Samoans to be interested and take up this field of study. 

What is so difficult in asking our donor countries and donor partners for a particular scholarship or two for people in this field? When that is secured, make sure there is enough money and incentives to keep these people here for the long-term. The Government has to think long term and be strategic in where it places its money and our people. 

The death industry is a thriving business because people will always die whether we like it or not. And many of them will require autopsies, which is why it would make a lot of sense to make this a priority now. 

Why don’t we start by asking Australia and Samoa’s new-found friend, Penny Wong, to get the ball rolling and revisit the Australian Government’s Health Security Initiative for the Indo-Pacific region? We’re sure China will be willing to step in if no one else offers? 

Just thinking out loud here. Have a safe weekend Samoa, God bless!