A large number of people have been able to receive dermatological services that are not normally available in Samoa.
Australian clinical dermatologist, Dr Anthony Hall attended to various skin cases at the Tupua Tamasese Meaole Hospital Outpatients Clinic.
The cases ranged from rashes, pigmented lesions and hair loss.
Dr Hall’s visit was arranged by the Australian Government funded Pacific Islands Programme (PIP).
National Health Service Dermatology Trainee Dr Helena Va’a Fuimaono was assigned to work with Dr Hall during his visit.
She said Dr Hall had been a valuable asset in assessing various cases and diagnosing a number of dermatological services that were not available locally.
Dr Hall also held a presentation at the hospital, titled ‘Dermatology in the Pacific’ during which he shared his knowledge, passion and years of experience within the dermatology field.
Dr Fuimaono said the Samoan Ministry of Health had been liaising with PIP and clinicians from Australia to facilitate these visits.
“We receive consistent support and assistance in diagnoses, and improved management of various cases from visiting clinicians supported by Australia,” Dr Fuimaono said.
Dr Hall has previously visited the Solomon Islands, and has a good overview on skin related health issues across the region, and how they relate to other health problems, such as rheumatic fever. This was his first visit to Samoa.
“Working with doctors and health care workers of the Samoan National Health Service, I have noted they are doing a great job of early treatment of significant skin health diseases such as scabies and impetigo,” said Dr Hall.
Dr Hall encouraged people to seek medical assistance as early as possible to avoid further skin complications in the future.
“I've seen many people with different skin health issues and various skin diseases that are concerning,” Dr Hall said. “If people seek early treatment with their doctor or at hospital, then serious complications of many common skin diseases can be averted.
“Early treatment may avoid the devastating consequences of these diseases including rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, kidney disease, severe blood infections or septicaemia, bone infections or osteomyelitis, joint infections such as septic arthritis, and early death,” he added.
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