Dr. Afili John Tufa has been confirmed to serve on the Board of Directors of the American Samoa Medical Center or LBJ Hospital, effective March 31st.
Senators approved his nomination by a unanimous 12-0 vote after a brief confirmation hearing this morning.
Senator Tuiagamoa Tavai, who chaired the hearing, said Dr. Tufa didn’t need any introduction, all of the senators are well aware of his service in the health care sector.
Tuiagamoa also thanked Dr. Tufa for returning home to serve the territory and for not being wooed by higher paying jobs off-island, but accepting whatever compensation was offered by the government.
He said, this was true of Dr. Tufa and his wife.
Dr. Tufa’s wife, Dr Francine Amoa, is a pharmacist at the Department of Health.
Senator Tuiasina Dr. Salamo Laumoli acknowledged Dr. Tufa’s tireless service during the COVID pandemic and expressed confidence that he will make a valuable contribution as a hospital board member. At the same time, he said that he is happy with the work of the board member that Dr. Tufa is replacing. He was referring to Dr. Jean Anderson.
Tuiasina pointed out that Dr. Tufa comes on board while the hospital is going through a volatile period, and problems at the hospital have not been fully resolved.
He pleaded with the nominee to work together for the good of the hospital and its service for the people.
Senator Fonoti Tafaifa, who recently returned from medical treatment off island, said that it was embarrassing for doctors off-island seeing referrals from the territory ask if we have a hospital here or throw pills—prescribed by local doctors—in the trash, saying they’re for the wrong for the patients and their conditions. She said, this is not acceptable and it should be addressed.
Senator Malaepule Saite Moliga moved to excuse Dr. Tufa and said that none of senators are not aware of him and his service.
During the Senate session all of the senators present voted to confirm Dr. Tufa to replace Dr. Jean Anderson, the current vice chair of the LBJ Board. Her term expires on March 30.
