King Tupou VI commissioned a newly renovated Likamonu Hospital on the northernmost part of Tonga today.

The hospital and health centre was hit by a devastating tsunami in 2009 (pictured above).

The renovation was funded by the European Union (EU) with a total contribution amounting to 1,375,000 Euro ($3.5 million pa'anga) under a Rehabilitation of the Health Sector in Niuatoputapu Program.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Bank contributed a total of 120,000 Euro for hospital equipment with project management works supervision.

Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union for the Pacific, Mr Christoph Wagner said the EU was pleased to support the Government of Tonga through the renovation of the Likamonu Hospital. He said the refurbishment would deliver improved health services for the people of Niuatoputapu, the furthest and most remote island of Tonga.

"This hospital is key building block for a stronger and more resilient health system on the island and will contribute to the realization of the health goals under the Agenda 2030."

The Minister of Health, Hon Dr Saia Piukala thanked the EU for the generous assistance in funding the reconstruction of the hospital, following the devastating tsunami of September 2009, which destroyed the hospital.

He said at the time, it was well understood that for a new hospital to be build, it had to be re-built at a safer location and most importantly to be built to meet better structural and building standards to withstand potential challenges of any future natural disaster. The quality and standards of the completed new Likamonu Hospital, had surpassed all expectations and he believed it was one of the best health infrastructures built for the Ministry of Health to date.

"We are committed to provide the relevant staff to operate it effectively and to provide relevant logistics to ensure maintenance requirements are fulfilled. It is anticipated that this new facility will provide effective healthcare services for the people of Niuatoputapu for many years to come.”

Crown Prince Tupouto’a officiated a ground-breaking ceremony in May 2016.