Kidney transplants for Samoans took another step closer to fruition last week after the Samoa Medical Association added their support to the proposal.
The idea of organ transplants is actively being promoted by an Indian hospital chain, Apollo Hospitals, which has signed an agreement with the Samoan government to supply doctors and specialists to help with doctor shortage.
Talamua Online reports that this was welcomed by Health Minister Tuitama Dr Talalelei Tuitama who has expressed concern at the high number of patients being treated at the National Kidney Foundation’s dialysis unit.
Government bears the $1000 per session cost for each patient.
Patients need three sessions per week but are only charged $10 per session.
More than 100 patients are currently treated at the NKF unit weekly which translates to close to $300,000 per week.
The minister agreed that donating a kidney is not a popular option in Samoa but said it is a very healthy option than being stuck on a (dialysis) machine 12 hours a day.
