The morgue at the Malietoa Tanumafili II Hospital at Tuasivi, Savai’i, is closed.

This was confirmed by a resident in the area, who spoke to the Samoa Observer on condition of anonymity.

 “The morgue has been closed for a week but there are speculations that it was due to a failure in the system,” said the Tuasivi resident. 

Contacted for a comment, the General Manager of the National Health Services, Palanitina Toelupe said it was the first time she had heard of the matter.

“Your email was the first time I had heard of the matter so I referred your notes to the appropriate Manager to help answer your questions. 

“I assure you that I would be able to get back to you when I receive a documented statement from the Savaii Manager which should arrive today (yesterday). 

“I regret this has not happened as of this time and am therefore unable to respond to any of these questions,” she said in an email.