15th May, 2019 TONGAN More than 5,000 people will access health services at NGele’ia’s new health centre which was opened by the Minister for Health and Internal Affairs Hon Dr Saia Piukala together with the Acting Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China H.E. Mr Yang Zhaohu yesterday afternoon at Ngele’ia Government Primary School and Tonga Side School.
Tongatapu 3 constituency MP Siaosi Sovaleni said that Ngele’ia once had a health centre many years ago but the new medical facility will ensure that the community will access health services. It is also a great benefit having it at the schools in case the children may need urgent assistance.
“Today, NGele’ia and surrounding villages will have easy access to great health services, they don’t have to go to Vaiola Hospital, they can save time and money simply by visiting this health centre. Yes, serious case will be referred to Vaiola but the people of our community are within walking distance of help.”
Hon Piukala said that the new health centre is the result of building relations with development partners.
“One of the ministry’s vision is leaving no one behind. Our service delivery is challenged by the lack of facilities in the communities for the staff to use but today is an eye opener for the ministry because we can attest that no one is left behind and Tongatapu 3 is very fortunate.”
He emphasized that the “wealth of a nation depends on the health of its people. Wealth is in your health.”
He also expressed his sincere gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for their on-going assistance over the years which include dispatching of medical teams to Vaiola Hospital, the Peace Ark who have visited Tonga twice and provided free health care services, donation of medical equipment including Tonga’s first CT scan and providing scholarships for Tongans to study medical and other fields in China.
Mr Zhaohu said, “Health is very significant and without health you will have nothing. Health is very significant for everybody but not everybody owns a good health due to restrictions from all aspects. We saw that there are limited medical resources in Tonga and there is still room for the development of medical.”
He said that China views Tonga as a “good partner, a good friend and a good brother” and has helped Tonga over the years in promoting health development.
The new medical facility was a classroom and was renovated with the financial assistance of the People’s Republic of China to be the health centre.
Attending the event were the CEO for Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, CEO for Lands and Survey Ms Rosamond Bing, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health Dr Reynold ‘Ofanoa, staff from the Ministry of Health and guests.
ENDS
Issued by the: Ministry of Meteorology, Energy, Information, Disaster Management, Environment, Climate Change and Communications.