Tonga Government Commits to Procuring Mammogram Machine for Vaiola Hospital
Nuku’alofa, Tonga – In a significant move to bolster women’s healthcare in Tonga, the Tongan government has announced its commitment to acquire a state-of-the-art mammogram machine for the Vaiola Hospital. The machine’s acquisition, estimated to cost AUD250,000, will be made possible through budget support from the Australian government.
Vaiola Hospital, the primary medical facility in the capital of Nuku’alofa, has been without a mammogram machine since 2015, leading to a troubling decline in the number of annual breast cancer cases detected, which has seen a significant 50 percent drop over the years.
Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku, while addressing the significance of this development, emphasized the government’s prioritization of women’s health. “Breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Tongan women. The mammogram machine will ensure doctors can detect cancer at an early stage, enabling women to receive treatment promptly,” he stated.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Hu’akavameiliku commended the dedication of the Breast Cancer Society of Tonga and the Ministry of Health in tirelessly raising awareness about breast cancer and advocating for the acquisition of this crucial medical equipment.
In a gesture of international partnership and support, the Australian High Commissioner to Tonga, HE Rachael Moore, expressed her enthusiasm about Australia’s involvement in this endeavor. “This year’s Pinktober theme is ‘give hope, save lives.’ We hope this new machine will do just that,” she commented. Moore emphasized the longstanding collaboration between Australia and the Ministry of Health, spanning two decades, aimed at strengthening healthcare services in Tonga. This new development showcases another example of cooperative efforts between Tonga’s government and its people.
The much-awaited mammogram machine is anticipated to arrive in Tonga in the year 2024. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in addressing the critical healthcare needs of the women in Tonga and underscores the value of international cooperation in enhancing healthcare services.
