By Eleanor Gee

Tests for CoViD-19 can now be processed in Tonga in a new laboratory extension which was officially opened today by Prime Minister Hon Dr Pohiva Tu’i’onetoa at Vaiola Hospital in Tongatapu

Two CoViD-19 testing machines, GeneXpert donated by the World Health Organization, and one PCR machine purchased by the Ministry of Health, are set up in the lab ready for processing swab samples.

The third machine, also a PCR, is kept as a backup. 

The Minister for Health, Hon Dr ‘Amelia Tu’ipulotu said this is a historic day for Tonga.

“We can now process tests and get results in three or four hours instead of sending tests overseas which took days or a week to receive the results.”

The lab extension has a room where swab samples will be prepared and extracted in a biological safety cabinet. The testing machines are in a separate room.

Acting Medical Superintendent (Vaiola Hospital) Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola, said the laboratory extension and equipment cost $610,541.

This includes $150,000 to build the laboratory extension, $204,814.50 for the equipment, and $255,726.73 for consumables.  

Tonga currently has 2,330 testing kits with another 3,000 on order, and the SPC has also promised to donate 6,600 testing kits to Tonga, she confirmed.

Preparations for border opening

The completion of the laboratory extension is part of Tonga’s preparation to prevent the introduction of CoViD-19 to the country once borders are opened.

The first repatriation flight from Auckland to Tonga is expected in the first week of July with 50 passengers.

Cabinet needs to approve the passenger list.

Around 7,000 Tongans overseas want to return to Tonga. Tongans who wish to be considered on the repatriation flights should fill in the Government’s repatriation registration form [2].