Samoa’s General Practitioners Look to Adopt Best Practice Aproaches through National Standards

“Good Governance” was the topic for the Samoa Association of General Practitioners (SAGP) annual AGM held on Saturday 1st October 2022.

A timely topic in the face of the new health reforms within the health sector in the last few years and navigating the recent measles epidemic and Covid-19 pandemic.

The Annual General Meeting of the association opened with a prayer of blessing by Reverend Esaroma Fatilua of the EFKS Matautu, Lefaga.

The meeting was officially opened by Hon. Valasi Luapitofanua Toogamaga Tafito Selesele, Minister of Health who also gave a keynote address.

Guest speaker, Counsel Fuimaono Sarona Ponifasio, spoke on “Good Governance” covering issues around the Medical Practitioners Act and other legal related concerns for SAGP.

Being a topic the medical profession rarely get the opportunity to discuss, the session was well received.

Hon Minister of Health Valasi Tafito Selesele.

Many issues were highlighted for the SAGP to further progress, in order to improve general practice in Samoa.

Taula Beverages is the official beverage sponsor of the 60th Independence International Sevens Tournament.

General Practitioners provide primary care services, and they are the main service providers in Primary Health Care.

This AGM also gave the SGPA an opportunity to address the role of General Practitioners (GPs) in Primary Health Care and the need for GPs to ensure they are all practising at national standards and best-practice approaches that are evidence based.

This AGM saw an engaging and interesting forum led by the senior General Practitioners speaking to the standards and criteria needed for the current GPs and those doctors aspiring to enter into a career of being a GP.

The SAGP will be looking at developing these standards and ensure a unform approach with all GPs adapting them.

There was great interaction from all that were present.

A new SAGP executive committee was elected with Leituala Dr Ben Matalavea taking up the reigns as president for the SAGP 2022-2023.

Vice president is Leniu Dr Asaua Fa’asino. Secretary – Tuala Dr Tile Ah Leong-Lui, Treasurer – Lauano Dr Herbert Peters, CME coordinator – Dr Malama Tafuna’I and Executive mbers – Le Mamea Dr Limbo Fiu, Dr Nola Gidlow, Dr Atropa Belladonna Potoi, Misa Dr Navy Collins and Motupuaa Dr Aisoli Vaai.

The AGM concluded with a dinner at the Hotel Elisa restaurant.