Japan Medical Assistance to Vaiola Hospital ^Featured

This follows the handover of medical appliances from Japan to the Ministry of Health on Thursday mornig morning 4th February 2016.

Japan’s Ambassador Mr Yukio Numata was on hand to present the medial equipment to the Minister of Health, Dr. Saia Piukala, as part of the Japanese Government Non-Project Grant Aid (NPGA). The equipment has at a total value of of $58million Japanese Yen, which is equivalent to $1 Million Pa’anga.

Included are two mobile X-ray units, two auto distillation apparatus, seven infant incubator, nine infant warmer, five phototherapy unit, 14 infusion pump and three emergency medical kits to name a few.

Mr Yumata said the medical appliances is part of Japan’s aid for the Kingdom to combat health issues that people suffer on a daily basis.

“This grant aid is designed to support the promotion of the economic and social development of developing countries by utilizing the unique efficient and user-friendly technology of Japanese small and medium sized enterprises,” he said.

“Purpose of the provision is to meet the development goals in several social sectors, including health sector to respond to the economic and social needs of developing countries.”

He also stated that working co-operatively together between the government of Tonga and Japan through Health will ensure people have a secure and a worthwhile living.

“Together, we are building societies of potential and resilience through mutual experience, sharing information and coordinated encouragement on a regional and international scale. By focusing our attention upon the health of people, the most important segment of the nation, we are reinforcing human security and human dignity,” he said.

Mr Yumata said he is confident that our nations will continue to maintain the existing close and friendly relationship for the betterment of our people’s welfare and wellbeing.

Dr Piukala announced that the Ministry is grateful to have been part of this extraordinary relationship since 1990, which saw the implementation of the first grant aid in Tonga.

“The Ministry of Health has been honored with grants for health infrastructures like the new Vaiola Hospital, human resources to upskill and upgrade skills and expertise of personnel, and like today, medical equipment,” he said.

“It is the aspiration of the Ministry of Health as recipients, to strengthen our partnership and cooperation with the Government of Japan for the development health services in Tonga.”

Tonga and Japan signed for this NPGA in February 2014 with the total amount of 200million Japanese Yen (equivalent to $3.6 Million Pa’anga). The first batch of equipment was donated to NEMO while the second batch went to the Tonga Fire Services.

The 2013 NPGA is expected to support Tonga’s efforts to implement the Tonga Strategic Development Framework, and portrays Japan’s determined commitments to contribute to the betterment of welfare of the People of the Kingdom of Tonga and the achievement of human security.