Fewer medical patients in Samoa will need to go overseas for costly treatment following the completion of the first phase of the reconstruction of the national hospital.
This week, the Tupua Tamasese Meaole National Hospital opened its new inpatients building, with revamped pediatrics, maternity, surgical and medical wards.
There is also a pharmacy, laboratories, an x-ray unit and operating theatres, as well as an intensive care unit.
The next stage of the 60 million US dollar upgrade is to complete emergency, general and children's outpatient units as well as a new training facility for the Oceania University of Medicine.
Our correspondent, Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia, says the government believes the economy cannot grow without a healthy population.
And he says the upgrade will save the country money.
"The other important thing of the new project was that the Prime Minister telling the people that the government assistance of sending people overseas for medical treatment, will no longer happen. And it's going to save a lot of government money."
Autagavaia says China is contributing funding to the upgrade.