By Eleanor Gee

A 40-foot container full of brand new wheelchairs and walking aids was officially handed over to the Ministry of Health by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at Vaiola Hospital today.

LDS Church Elder 'Inoke Kupu said the Ministry of Health may distribute the equipment directly to people who are struggling and need help to be able to get around.

The Ministry of Health's Acting Medical Superintendent Dr 'Ana 'Akau'ola was thankful for the donation.

“This is not the first time the church has donated equipment to us. This is the fourth container of goods they have donated.”

Dr ‘Akau’ola promised that the hospital would distribute the wheelchairs and walking aids to people who really need them.

“I hope that people who receive this equipment take good care of it. And if at some stage you no longer need to use the equipment, you can return it to Vaiola Hospital and our technicians can refurbish it for someone else to use.”

She said the equipment is expensive to purchase.

Rehabilitation Department

A physiotherapist, Vani Chand told Matangi Tonga the Rehabilitation Department where she works is in charge of distributing the donations. 

“The wheelchairs and walking aids will be provided to people in Tongatapu, Vava’u, and Ha’apai."

She said the equipment comes in different sizes and caters for all ages “even for small babies”.