Off island vendors for pharmaceutical and medical supplies at LBJ Hospital are refusing to extend credit to the hospital and will only accept orders on a cash upfront basis.
This is according to the chief executive of LBJ, Taufetee John Faumuina Jr, after questions about supply shortages in many clinics and wards.
Chairman of the House Health Committee, Representative Vesi Talalelei Fautanu, says staff have told him that they are short of supplies in every division and this is because the hospital has not paid vendors.
Taufetee says that is not correct.
He says off island vendors will not send any supplies unless it is cash upfront and the hospital is trying to rebuild a relationship with the vendors and restore credibility with them.
LBJ hospital, American Samoa Photo: RNZI