Government of Japan handed over medical assistance to Tonga's Ministry of Health Featured
The Government of Japan through the Non-Project Grant Aid, NPGA handed over ambulances,vehicles and medical equipment to the Tonga’s Ministry of Health on Wednesday, 15 August 2018.
H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga handed over the equipment to Hon. Saia Ma’u Piukala, Minister for Health.
Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola, Chief Executive Office and Head of Departments of the Ministry of Health were also present.
His Excellency Mr. Tetsuya Ishii was grateful to handover the equipment, three new ambulances and two Toyota Hiace van to help the Ministry improve their services to the people of Tonga.
“The assistance is part of Japan’s efforts to combat Non-Communicable Diseases or NCD’s in accordance with the PALM8 Leaders’ Declaration.
Our sincere wish is to contribute to the national efforts to save life in particular as many lives as possible, by utilizing various assistances schemes effectively and properly,” he stated.
He also underscored the importance of “arranging regular maintenance for these vehicles and equipment in order to keep them in good conditions as long as possible, and driving safely.”
The overall total of these assistance is valued over 88 million Japanese Yen or approximately 1.8 million pa’anga.
Hon. Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala expressed his sincere gratitude for the consistent assistance from the people and the Government of Japan in empowering the Ministry of Health to deliver good service and to reach out to the communities.
“The Ministry will utilize the equipment to make a difference in the lives of our patients and best care for our patients,” he emphasized.
The Minister also highlighted that in 2016 the people and Government of Japan donated medical equipment to the Ministry of Health, and he is thankful to receive again another donation of 1.8 million pa’anga worth of equipment.
Japan’s NPGA was introduced as a form of commodity aid to promote economic and social development of recipient countries.
The NPGA handover hopes to also contribute to Tonga’s efforts to meet its Strategic Development Framework and the nation’s steadfast collaboration for sustainable development.
