A team of cardiac experts, led by Fiona Riddel, Cardiac Physiologist, and comprising Cardiologist Dr Jonathan Tisch, Cardiac nurse Edeltraud Schick, and Cardiac Physiologists Bridget McIlraith from New Zealand, recently conducted outpatient clinics and life-saving pacemaker and ICD surgeries in Tonga. The team, deployed by the Pacific Medical Association (PMA) under the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), funded by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), made a significant contribution to the healthcare system in Tonga.

During their visit, the team organized a full-day clinic on May 1st, where they assessed patients’ conditions. Seven new patients requiring pacemakers and two patients in need of device generator replacement were identified. These advanced medical devices play a crucial role in helping individuals with slow or abnormal heartbeats restore a normal rhythm, thereby improving their symptoms and overall quality of life.

From May 2nd to May 4th, the team successfully performed a series of pacemaker implantations, marking a monumental achievement for Tonga being the first of its kind to be performed in the Kingdom. These procedures were conducted free of charge, ensuring access to vital healthcare services for the local population. Additionally, the team generously donated a device monitor, enabling remote monitoring of patients’ conditions and device functions from New Zealand, further enhancing their post-operative care.

The team has provided ongoing support to Tonga’s cardiac patients, previously visiting regularly to check on pacemaker recipients, reprogram devices, and replace pacemaker batteries. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, these visits had been temporarily suspended. Nonetheless, their recent mission signifies a renewed commitment to ensuring the well-being of cardiac patients in Tonga.