Japan and Tonga sign exchange of note for provision of Japanese Medical Equipment Featured
7 July, 2020. His Excellency Mr. ISHII Tetsuya, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga and Honourable Dr. ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu, Minister of Health signed on the Exchange of Notes for Japan’s grant, “Economic and Social Development Plan”, or known as Non-Project Grant Assistance (NPGA), for provision of Japanese medical equipment on 6th July, 2020, in the Ministry of Health.
This assistance aims to strengthen both Tonga’s countermeasures against COVID-19, and basic medical system in order to tackle various diseases, including non-communicable diseases (NCD), through the provision of high quality medical equipment made in Japan.
Medical equipment such as Thermography will be provided by this assistance, which amounts to one hundred and fifty (150) million Japanese yen, or approximately USD 1.5 million.
The medical equipment will be deployed not only to the Vaiola Hospital but also to community health centers in the outer islands and it is highly expected to contribute to maintaining healthy lives for all the people of Tonga.
In his speech, H.E. Mr. ISHII pointed out that the current situation caused by COVID-19 still shows indications of a “crisis of human security”, and also expressed his sincere respect for the Government of Tonga’s efforts to tackle the pandemic which has kept the country COVID-19 free.
Looking back on the long history of Japan’s contribution to establishing a firm basis for the health and medical system in Tonga as well as both countries’ 50 years diplomatic relations since 1970, H.E. Mr. ISHII emphasized this assistance will open a brighter new page together in the next fifty years of friendship.
Hon. Dr. ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu, Minister of Health, commended on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, and expressed her appreciation to the Government and the people of Japan.
She related that the medical equipment will be important for the strategic planning laid out by the Government of Tonga.
Japan will continue to lead international commitment to support the countries which require the enhancement of medical systems to overcome difficulties caused by COVID-19.
