LBJ hospital, American Samoa Photo: RNZI
American Samoa Senate President Tuaolo Manaia Fruean has queried the role of the Department of Treasury in what became a scam involving hospital funds.
He asked how $US4.5 million was transferred from a hospital account without proper verification by the Department of Treasury and ended up a bank account in Florida, US.
Treasurer Malemo Tausaga told the senators the department received a resolution showing the hospital wanted Treasury to transfer their subsidies to an account with West Fargo Bank, which they did.
But he said, while the resolution was on LBJ Tropical Medical Center letterhead and had the signatures of the board members, it was a scam.
Tausaga said the money does remain in a US jurisdiction, and the FBI is now investigating.
He said nearly $US300,000 had been returned so far.
Thailand nurses
Meanwhile, American Samoa will welcome four more certified nurses from Thailand from Friday.
LBJ hospital - the only hospital in American Samoa - executive director Dr Jean Anderson said these nurses join three who arrived last week.
The hospital chief executive Dr Akapusi Ledua said the LBJ is also on track to meet its objective of having additional nurses by the end of the year.
He said the LBJ will continue to work with its partners in the health sector and education to train new nurses.
They are also encouraging certified nurses to rejoin the LBJ nursing team.
Three more Thai nurses arrive in American Samoa next week, with a total of 20 expected to be working at the LBJ by the end of the year.