The leader of the Human Rights Protection Party suspended Lepa MP, Tuilaepa Dr Sailele Malielegaoi has criticized the recent appointment of Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma as the Director of the Ministry of Health.
In a letter to the editor, Tuilaepa said MOH’s new CEO is the current Vice Chancellor of our National University of Samoa, who has not even completed his current first three-year term contract with NUS which was very likely to be extended again.
“He is also a businessman operating a very popular Health Clinic, close to the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital at Motootua, employing part-time specialist doctors from the Government services.”
Tuialepa cited this as a conflict of interest.
“Why on earth did this simple conflict of interest matter miss the advisers and the panel which interviewed the candidates?
“This is what is to be expected when employing “yes” nincompoops as advisers.
“The message conveyed by his appointment decision of Cabinet to all top Management Staff of the Public Service of our beloved Independent State of Samoa is very disheartening.”
Radio Polynesia has reached out to Aiono for comments, but he declined.
The appointee holds the solution. His role now as Vice Chancellor of NUS is the most well suited in the eyes of our people for him to drive the development of our University.
“Do what he must do and save the embarrassment to the Government, and all his educated colleagues who hold him in high regard in his role as VC of NUS.
“There are many capable, highly qualified, and experienced doctors and administrators in Health right now for one of them to be chosen to the helm,” said Tuilaepa.
