Samoa’s Health Sector Celebrates 140 years of the Fiji School of Medicine

By Lagi Keresoma/

Apia, Samoa – 21 November 2025: The medical practitioners who graduated from the Fiji School of Medicine over the years, proudly paraded down Apia Beach Road in celebration of 140th anniversary of the school yesterday morning.

Led by the police brass band, the parade drew a crowd in the bright sunny morning as they rounded the Town Clock towards the Government building where formalities proceeded.

Former Minister of Health, Leao Dr Tuitama and former Associate Minister of Health, Salausa Dr Ah Ching leading the parade.

FSM history & Samoan graduates
The Fiji School of Medicine was established in 1885 in Suva and had several name changes before settling for FSM.

The initiative by the Fijian Government was to set up a medical school to train their own people to serve the country, but in the 1900’s, the school open its door to other countries.

Medical students from Rotuma, Tokelau were the first students outside of Fiji to graduate and in 1927, Dr. Ioelu Kuresa was the first Samoan to graduate from FSM.

Then in 1929, Dr, Toto’a Auvaa followed by Dr. Ned Collins and Dr. Mu Tauaa in 1930.

Salausa Dr. John Ah Ching who presented the school history said it has been 101 years since FSM have served the people of Samoa through medical expertise in various health areas.

This includes doctors, dentists, health inspectors, X-ray specialists, dieticians, physiotherapists and many other health services.

Medical practitioners who held top positions in politics
Salausa Dr Ah Ching also highlighted the path taken by several medical practitioners in the Government after years of practise which included:

• Tupua Tamasese Dr. Lealofiaana Tamasese – Samoa’s second Prime Minister,
• Tu’u’u Dr. Faletoese – Parliament Speaker
• Aeau Dr. Peniamina Leavai – Parliament Speaker
• Mase Dr. Toia Alama – Legislative Assembly Clerk

“There are 10 others who became Members of Parliament and Associate Ministers,” said Salausa.

He acknowledged those who are more than 70 years old and are still associated with health activities such as 93 year old Leaana Dr. Lance Eves, Tuitama Dr. Talalelei Tuitama and Namulauulu Dr. Nuualofa Tuuau Potoi.

Oldest surviving graduate from FSM, Leaana Dr. Lance Eves now 93 years old and still gives advice on health matters.

Three local doctors Mamea Dr. Emosi Puni, Papalii Dr. Sam Petaia, Salaulsa John Ah Ching and a Cook Islander Dr. Terimoana Puni were a few students that started the medical school at the University of the South Pacific (USP).

Some of the FSM health service graduates have taken different paths such as pharmacists Tavita Reupena now serving as a church minister and Tumanuvao Evile now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Samoa Airport Authority.

Call on Government to prioritise the two medical schools in Samoa
Samoa now has two medical schools, the Oceanian University of Medicine (OUM) and the National University of Samoa Faculty of Science.

Dr Salausa urged the Government to give these medical schools as well as the School of Nursing top priority and support as Samoa cannot continue to rely on overseas for the training of its medical personnel.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Mulipola Anarosa Ale Molio’o who delivered the keynote address took note of the call.

She noted the FSM’s major contribution to Samoa’s health sector over the years and that the Government’s long term goal is to ensure that there are enough doctors, nurses, and medical specialists to cater for the Samoan people.