ACTING Prime Minister Fred Fono has refuted claims that he influenced decisions to have him selected for private care rooms in the National Referral Hospital at the expense of other citizens.
Mr Fono made the clarification in response to yesterday’s story in the Island Sun newspaper in which Ramon Quitales - a well-known campaigner in the local political circle.
Mr Quitales claimed the government tried to kill him to save Mr Fono by moving him from a private care in the medical ward so that deputy prime minister can be accommodated there.
But Mr Fono said such accusation is unfounded as decision on such matters is made only by hospital administrators.
“Neither me nor the government has the discretion to decide who to stay or not to stay in a particular ward or unit in the National Referral Hospital or any health center in the country,” he said.
“Rather it was the decision of the hospital administrators to decide which rooms or unit a patient is to be admitted to,” he added.
Mr Fono was admitted to the National Referral Hospital in November last year with a chest pain which left him hospitalised for more than a week at a private care unit.
Mr Fono said he is aware that hospital administrators sometimes consider serious cases of senior citizens, but that is entirely the decision taken by the hospital administration rather than a political decision as claimed by Mr Quitales.
“Hence, it is just not proper to say that Mr Quitales’ removal from the private area in the medical ward is politically motivated he claimed,” Mr Fono said.
“I even have no idea that my admittance to that particular private care at that time did inconvenience Mr Quitales in seeking further medical care.
“In fact I was not even aware that Mr Quitales was there at the hospital at the time I was referred to be admitted,” Mr Fono said.
As for Mr Quitales’ decision to take legal action against Mr Fono and individual doctors and nurses, Mr Fono said the complainant has every right to do so should he decides to take that course of action.
Meanwhile, the acting Prime Minister also commended the good behaviour of people during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“There has not been any serious law and order problem this Christmas and New Year festivities, which is the result of good cooperation between our good citizens, the police and RAMSI officers in making sure that our celebration is enjoyed.
“Therefore, on behalf of the Government, I would like to thank our good citizens, our hardworking police who have given their time to make sure that all our celebrations went smoothly and enjoyed by all.”
By ALEX AKWAI
USP Journalism Student
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