SAMOA’S Prime Minister Laaulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt remains hospitalised in Auckland after being admitted to Middlemore Hospital shortly after arriving in the country last week.
He was taken to the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU), with concerns relating to his heart and lungs, according to earlier comments by Acting Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo.
Local media have withheld specific medical details, citing privacy and ethical considerations.
The prime minister was medically evacuated from Apia and arrived via Auckland International Airport, disembarking at a private facility.
Prior to his departure, he told the public in a Facebook livestream that he was travelling for “overdue medical checks,” without indicating the urgency of the situation.
His absence has sparked widespread public concern, with well-wishes shared online alongside circulating AI-generated images falsely depicting his condition.
Opposition leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi expressed sympathy and acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, noting that admission to Middlemore’s CCU typically indicates critical care.
He also commended Mulipola for keeping the public informed, while calling for more consistent updates from the government.
“There have been no announcements… the country is sitting here praying,” Tuilaepa said.
The prime minister was expected to attend a cultural event in Auckland but did not appear.
Government officials have yet to provide a detailed update on his condition, as the nation continues to await further information.
Update on PM’s health condition
Acting Prime Minister Mulipola Anarosa Ale-Molioo in a press conference say the PM is recovering well in New Zealand.
“There have been updates every day,” she said. “The prime minister is well. He is progressing along well with his treatment.”
She added that there are indications the Prime Minister may return soon. “There are plans that he will return to the country by next week,” she said, contradicting earlier statements by the Prime Minister during his live on his official Facebook page on the day he left and said that he would only be away for a week.
Source: Samoa Observer
