The Tautua Samoa Party says funds for a pay rise were approved in parliament in July and the money is available, but the National Health Services Board is yet to award the health workers higher wages.
A party member, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi, said he was surprised by the board’s inaction, which he claims was first put on the agenda four years ago.
“The pay raise for the nurses shouldn’t be delayed any longer,” he said.
“The problem we have is the shortage of doctors and nurses. I think the other areas of the national hospital so far can cope. But, I think we really have to look after the interests of the nurses and the doctors.”
Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi says 300 nurses will go on strike if the pay raise demands continue to be ignored.
Health Minister Dr. Talalelei Tuitama said the country’s health industry is short of an estimated 70 doctors and about 200 nurses.
