Each of the three atolls of Tokelau has a 12-bed hospital that works as part of the Samoa region[clarification needed] to provide primary health care to the community.
[4] The health services has a Director of Health based in Apia, Samoa, and a Chief Clinical Advisor who moves from atoll to atoll as required to assist the doctors attached to each hospital.
Upcoming Tokelauan medical graduates are believed to be alleviating this shortage.
In recent years diabetes and gout have increased, attributed to the reliance on imported Western foods (such as sugar, flour, rice and potatoes), and the resultant declining healthy lifestyles.
Over half the adult population smoke daily, and there is heavy alcohol consumption and a high incidence of obesity.