Temporary health clinic for Aunuu slated to open this week Friday

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Health is opening a temporary clinic in Aunu’u this week Friday.

This is in preparation for a new permanent clinic for the people of Aunu’u, said Acting Director of Health, Vesi Talalelei Fautanu Jr.

In an interview with Samoa News, the Acting Director said this has been in the pipeline for a long time and it is time that the people of Aunu’u receive the medical care they need at a walking distance.

 “We have renovated a house in Aunu’u that will be used for this temporary clinic and [staffing] will consist of one Nurse, a Certified Nursing Assistant, an Administration Clerk, three security guards and a Doctor that will be commuting between the Amouli clinic and the Aunu’u clinic,” said Fautanu.

This is a short term plan to cater to the needs of Aunu’u residents. As for the long term plan, the DOH says a proposal has been submitted to the American Rescue Plan Act for financial assistance to fund the new clinic.

“So for the temporary clinic, the department spent a little over $10,000 for this project. We don’t want to invest too much in the temporary clinic knowing it’s not permanent. The equipment that we will be using in Aunu’u is from our other clinics,” said Fautanu.

The medical services will include vaccinations, medical checks for diabetes and high blood pressure for now.

 “But for emergency cases the people of Aunu’u have to go to the hospital. Also the nurses will be conducting home visits with the residents and as indicated earlier this is a long time coming.

“This was prompted following natural disasters in the past where the weather does not permit any transportation. At least there is some medical assistance provided by this clinic for the people of Aunu’u.”

According to Fautanu the population in Aunu’u is a little over 120 people and their goal is for community-focused care to enhance healthcare services and patient outcomes.

“As you know community health centers often serve as the primary care provider in communities where healthcare is limited.”

Adding that the public health clinic’s primary role is health promotion and disease prevention for the people of Aunu’u.

Regarding the DoH’s permanent clinic, Fautanu said, that the proposal submitted to the ARPA is close to $2million and includes all the necessary medical equipment.

“Health care is vital and included in our proposal, is an ambulance boat that can transport emergency cases” from Aunu’u to Tutuila for the hospital in Faga’alu.

“Also we proposed to have helipads for all the D0H clinics including the Aunu’u clinic. We have big plans for our clinics, not only here on Tutuila island, but also in Manu’a and Aunu’u.

He said the clinic in Aunu’u will operate from 7:30am to 4pm.