A Government Press Release has been issued to correct a recent Samoa Observer article alleging that Hon. Laaulialemalietoa’s medevac and treatment costs in September last year were reimbursed.
“The allegation is incorrect and unsubstantiated,” states the release.
In September last year, the Prime Minister was airlifted to Auckland for urgent treatment. All his travel and medical costs were funded by his family.
Pursuant to government policy, the Prime Minister is entitled to medical check and treatment in New Zealand, fully funded under the Samoa Overseas Treatment Scheme.
However, due to government’s financial situation at the time, and urgency of his treatment, the Prime Minister confirmed that his family was financing all his travel and medical costs.
In view of government policy, Cabinet in September last year approved reimbursement of the Prime Minister’s travel and medical costs.
However, upon the Prime Minister’s return in November, he confirmed that his family had settled his treatment and travel costs, and that he would seek no reimbursement from government.
This was also announced publicly in one of his press conferences in November last year.
To date, no transaction of reimbursement of the Prime Minister’s travel and medical costs has happened.
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