Sunday, January 20, 2008

Falema'i : "House of Illness"

We knew before we came that American Samoa doesn't have the best reputation for health care. That's why a nice portion of our check continues to go to a health insurance policy we never use, in Hawaii.

Well now our Governor has experienced the perils of LBJ (Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital) first hand. On Sunday Jan. 6th, Gov. Togiola Tulafono underwent an appendectomy. Before the surgery they gave him a medication he was allegeric to, so he had an allergic reaction. Despite "complications" they said he was recovering well and planned to stay on-island.

But then on Wednesday the 16th, the Governor was evacuated to Honolulu and was immediately admitted to Tripler Army Medical Center where "he remains under observation in guarded condition."

Law makers now are debating liscensing requirements for medical doctors on the island. Apparently some physicians are hired and allowed to practice without passing the exam or residency requirements (i.e. illegally).

We'll see what happens. Meanwhile we pray daily to stay in good health... and far away from the hospital.

1 comment:

Jan Allan said...

There's nothing like a government official to expose questionable practices. This is why Evan works so hard...so he can be on his best behavior when people of note come to the hospital.