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American Samoa Government - PR002-05072026
Posted: May 07, 2026
Governor Pulaaliʻi Reaffirms Commitment to Strengthening Healthcare at LBJ Tropical Medical Center
PAGO PAGO, American Samoa — Governor Pulaaliʻi Nikolao Pula visited the LBJ Tropical Medical Center this week to tour major ARPA-funded healthcare improvement projects aimed at strengthening patient care, safety, and hospital reliability for the people of American Samoa. During the visit, Governor Pulaaliʻi toured the hospital’s newly installed CT scanner in the Radiology Department, upgraded backup generator system, and several ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the new central plant, facility upgrades, and major roofing replacement project.
The Governor acknowledged the importance of continued investment in healthcare services and reaffirmed his Administration’s support for strengthening healthcare infrastructure and improving the overall patient experience across the Territory.
“These improvements reflect our continued commitment to ensuring that our people have access to safe, reliable, and quality healthcare services,” Governor Pulaaliʻi stated. “Our healthcare professionals work tirelessly to care for our community, and it is important that we continue to support them with the resources and infrastructure they need.”
Among the key ARPA-funded projects highlighted during the visit were the CT Scanner Room Project completed by Tony’s Construction, the Roof Replacement Project completed by TRESMAL, and the Generator Replacement Project completed by Pacific Prime Power.
For the first time in the history of LBJ Tropical Medical Center, the hospital now operates two fully functioning CT scanners, a historic milestone for healthcare in American Samoa. On May 4, 2026, LBJ celebrated the installation of its new CT scanner, joining the existing unit already in service. The addition of the new scanner will improve imaging reliability, reduce service interruptions, and expand specialized diagnostic capabilities, particularly in cardiac care. The upgraded equipment is capable of accommodating patients up to 700 pounds, allowing the hospital to better serve the vast majority of patients requiring CT imaging services.
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The roof replacement project modernized and fully replaced roofing systems protecting some of the hospital’s most sensitive clinical environments, including operating rooms, intensive care wards, patient rooms, and medical storage areas. These upgrades address long-standing structural failures and cyclone-related damage, helping ensure uninterrupted and safe clinical operations during severe weather conditions.
The generator replacement project included the construction of permanent generator housing and integration with the hospital’s Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) system to ensure seamless emergency power continuity throughout the facility during grid failures or emergencies.
These completed projects form part of a broader 14-project ARPA-funded infrastructure portfolio at LBJ Tropical Medical Center — one of the most ambitious healthcare capital investment initiatives in the Territory’s history. Additional projects include the ER/ICU Expansion, Central Plant construction, Simulation Lab and Training Facility, Electrical Downstream Upgrades, Water Tank and Purification System, Perimeter Security Fence, NICU/Nursery Extension, Long-Term Care Facility Renovation, Biometrics System, and a new Warehouse Facility.
Governor Pulaaliʻi expressed appreciation to LBJ leadership & staff, LBJ Board, LBJ Engineering and Facilities Department, Healthcare workers, Contractors, ARPA Oversight Office, and all partners whose collaboration and dedication continue to move healthcare services forward in American Samoa.
The Administration remains committed to supporting initiatives that enhance healthcare delivery, strengthen infrastructure, and improve the well-being of the people of American Samoa.
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