The Ministry of Health says a photograph appearing to show a wooden pole being used as an intravenous fluid stand at Samoa’s national hospital was taken several years ago and does not represent present conditions in the Emergency Department.
The photograph was published by the Samoa Observer on 7 August 2026 and raised public concerns about the condition of medical equipment and patient care.
In a statement issued on 11 August, the Ministry said it verified the photograph with Emergency Department management and physically inspected the area believed to be shown.
According to the Ministry, the Nurse in Charge of the Emergency Department had previously seen the photograph circulating online and identified its location as the Plaster of Paris Room at the rear of the main Emergency Department.
“She advised that the photograph was taken some years ago,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry said an inspection found that the curtains and fittings now installed in the room were different from those visible in the photograph. It said the room had since been upgraded with new curtains and curtain railings.
However, the statement did not provide the exact date on which the photograph was taken or explain the circumstances that led to the wooden pole allegedly being used as an IV stand at that time.
The Ministry also did not release a current photograph of the room with its statement.
Its response does not dispute that the photograph was taken inside the hospital. Instead, it argues that the image is historical and should not be presented as evidence of the Emergency Department’s current overall condition or practices.
The Ministry said it takes patient safety, dignity and quality of care seriously and continues to monitor the availability and condition of essential medical equipment and supplies across Samoa’s health facilities.
It welcomed public scrutiny of the health service but said information presented to the public must be accurate, current and placed in its proper context, particularly when historical photographs are used to describe present conditions.
“The Government remains committed to strengthening Samoa’s health system, improving health infrastructure and ensuring that health workers have the appropriate equipment and resources required to provide safe and quality healthcare to the people of Samoa,” the statement said.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and continuing improvements in the delivery of health services.
This report is based on a Ministry of Health press release issued on 11 August 2026 and the Samoa Observer report that prompted the response.
