An ambulance and biomedical equipment with training valued at AUD$70,000 was handed over to the Ministry of Health by the Rotary Club recently.

The ambulance is a modified Toyota van to specifically fit the needs and maintenance capacity in Tonga.

Jeff Candy the Project Coordinator from RC of Noarlunga East and Keith Driscoll, Executive Director Clinical from the South Australia Ambulance Service hoped that it will allow the ambulance to operate effectively for a long time, and help the ministry to improve their provision of health services.

Dr Lisiate 'Ulufonua, Medical Superintendent at Vaiola Hospital was thankful for the donation and ongoing partnership between the hospital and the South Australian Ambulance Service, which started in 2009, he said.

Vaiola Hospital and St John of God Hospital in Ballarat, also had a relationship for over two decades, initiated by Rotary Club in Nuku'alofa.

"The partnerships help support government's objective for universal health coverage," said Dr 'Ulufonua.

The visitors will also provide training in using the ambulance and equipment.

Semisi Finau, a Bio Medical Engineer at the Ministry of Health had identified the equipment when he visited Adelaide to help the team ensure the equipment included in the shipping container was appropriate and relevant to the needs in Tonga. 

The support was from the Rotary Club of Noarlunga East and the South Australian Ambulance Service as well as other South Australian Rotary Clubs (Tailem Bend, Blackwood, Cormandel Valley, Campbelltown, Noarlunga and Hallett Cove).

The Rotary donations-in-kind and the Tongan community in Adelaide provided the contents and helped with the packing of the 40-ft container.