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The Oceania University of Medicine (OUM) has announced all eligible Samoan students will be fully funded, in an effort to fix doctor shortages.
The scholarships cover the annual $47,000 tuition fee for the four-and-a-half-year medical study.
Last month, Member of Parliament for Alataua Sisifo, Aliimalemanu Alofa Tuuau urged that given the limited number of workers, particularly teachers and doctors, the Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa and government should look into raising the retirement age to 70.
The Samoa Observer reported the medical scholarships are funded by Taffy Gould, the founder and chair of the OUM Council.
OUM chief operating officer Carmel Sang said the university will also pick up the tab for any additional costs and have them included in the scholarships.
She said the students who have already paid this year will get the money refunded.
Local doctors, Dr George Tuitama and Asiata Dr Satupaitea Viali, will lead the clinical course in Samoa - allowing students to access the same curriculum as their peers overseas, without the added costs of travel and accommodation.
Asiata said: "The board has decided that we are going to do our best to ensure that these students have access without worrying about finances."
Nineteen students are now covered under this scheme.
This call has been made as the National University of Samoa has deregistered students for being unable to pay their tuition.
