A range of cleaning supplies from Karcher in Australia donated to hospitals across Tonga, were received by the Ministry of Health yesterday, 6 April.

The Ministry of Health CEO Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, Medical Superintendent Dr ‘Ana ‘Akau’ola, Leva'itai 'Asaeli (Pharmacy Department) and staff who look after the ministries assets, inspected the supplies, stored at the FWC Hall in Fanga.

The supplies include Karcher vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, floor scrubbers, cleaning cloths, cleaning liquid detergents and much more, worth around AUD$26,000.

They are earmarked for Tongatapu, and ‘Eua, while more donations are expected in the near future for the remaining islands.

Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said the goods were mainly donated by the manufacturer.

“We are very grateful and thank you for these supplies.”

“These donations are not just for Vaiola Hospital, but for the outer islands as well including the hospital in ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Niuas, and Vava’u and the Health Centre in Nomuka.”

He said the donations were initially aimed to assist with the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic and tsunami event.

“These donors saw how much ash and dirt covered hospitals and also in the areas where people arrive to go into hospitals in Tonga, including the health centres.”

And even though we’re now past the ash clean up, these supplies will support the work done in hospitals, he added.

The donations were organized by Tonga’s Honorary Consul in Sydney, Louise Waterhouse, SmartAid, and Karcher.