Apia, Samoa – 20 November 2024 – Patients care at the National Hospital at Moto’otua has not been affected by the damaged main X-ray machine as medical staff continue to provide service and examine patients using a portable X-ray machine.

“We have a portable machine that is used for all patients, so patients care is not being compromised,” the Director General of Health, Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma told Talamua.

Aiono also said that the only service they currently cannot provide while the main machine is down is immigration x-rays for those traveling under the seasonal worker’s scheme.

Power surge cause of damage
Aiono also confirmed that a power surge after one of the blackouts damaged the main X-ray machine last week and they have procured a part to replace the damaged one.

“We have flown in a part, and the machine should be ready and up and running again by the end of this month,” he said.

Intermittent power outages and surges have created problems for both residents and businesses in both Upolu and Savaii islands and last week, a super market close to the Moto’otua hospital was almost destroyed by fire in what has been linked to the power surges.