Tuilaepa for Medical Check in New Zealand

by Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 19 JANUARY 2022: Preparations are in progress to take the Opposition Leader and former Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi for medical check in New Zealand.

The Minister for Health, Valasi Tafito Selesele told Talamua that the latest for him to go is next week as soon as all the paper work is completed.

Tuilaepa was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of the Tupua Tamasese Meaole hospital last Thursday and was released on Monday this week.

Valasi said he was in Savaii when he heard Tuilaepa was admitted and returning to Upolu on Friday, he visited him.

Other Cabinet Ministers and Government officials also visited Tuilaepa at the hospital.

“He is recovering well after spending a few days at the hospital but still need to go for his medical check-up overseas,” said Valasi.

Source told Talamua that Tuilaepa was admitted at the hospital after the party leadership issue was raised at the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) caucus meeting last week.

However, HRPP Secretary, Lealailepule Rimoni Aiafi has downplayed the party leaders’ condition as a normal flu.

He said Tuilaepa is well but needs to rest.

Tuilaepa has led HRPP for 22 years he has been Prime Minister and is starting his term as the Opposition Leader. He had been absent from yesterday and todays’ parliament session after being hospitalized.