His Excellency Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Kingdom of Tonga handed over the vehicles during the ceremony along with Hon. Saia Piukala, Minister for Health. Present at the ceremony were Mrs. Natalia Latu, Deputy CEO of the Ministry of Finance and National Planning, Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola, CEO of the Ministry of Health and Heads of Departments of the Ministry of Health, Hon. Moale Finau, Hon. Veivosa Taka, as well as Dr. Yutaro Setoya, officer in charge of WHO in Nuku’alofa.
H.E Mr. Tetsuya Ishii noted in his keynote address the lack of ambulance vehicles in both hospitals, Niuui of Ha’apai Lifuka and Niueiki of ‘Eua, and hoped that the new vehicles would strengthen the emergency medical services which undoubtedly contributes to saving people’s lives. “I would like to ask the Ministry of Health and the two hospitals to reconfirm and strengthen the emergency communication network within the people so that all people are clearly aware of the steps to be taken in facing any need of urgent medical treatment.”
“With the combination of the enhanced tangible and intangible aspects, the installation of the ambulance and the reconfirmed medical communication networks will greatly contribute to the second Pillar of the Organization outcome of the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025, Improved health care and delivery systems,” added the Ambassador. He also acknowledged the collaborative efforts from the fire unions of Yoshikawa-Matsubushi City and Iwakura City, for the donation of the vehicles.
Hon. Saia Piukala, Minister for Health thanked the Ambassador for the generous donation from the people and the Government of Japan. He expressed his Ministry’s appreciation for Japan’s assistance in many and various projects benefitting the people of Tonga.
Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-Roots Human Security Projects has to date implemented over 260 projects in different sectors throughout Tonga. The assistance for the two ambulance vehicle were formalized this year in February.
H.E. Mr. Ishii, Hon. Piukala and guests in front of the handed over vehicles
For further information on the project, please click the above.