29 YEARS OF ASSISTANCE BY ST. JOHN OF GOD BALLARAT

For 29 years, a twinning program between Tonga’s Ministry of Health and St. John of God Hospital (Ballarat) continued this year with the arrival of a 40foot container full of donated medical supplies.

Normally, the St. John of God Hospital health workers visit Tonga twice a year to coordinate the annual container shipment but travel restrictions due to COVID-19 did not allow this this year.

Despite this, the assistance still made it to Vaiola and is now under the supervision of Semisi Finau (Deputy Director for Facility and Transportation) and Hatasou Taulanga (Senior Hospital Administrator) and the team from the Supporting Services Unit.

The donated medical supplies will be distributed to various locations and will assist with Tonga’s preparedness and response to COVID-19.

The Ministry of Health is grateful for the ongoing support which makes a difference for Tonga’s health care system.

ENDS