The Princess Fusipala Hospital in Ha'apai has a new medical incinerator, built under an AUD$2.1 million aid program that is improving medical waste management systems in Tonga.

Completion of the installation of the incinerator at the hospital in Pangai was marked with an official visit by Australian First Secretary Development, Shelly Thomson on Friday, 23 September, 2022.

It was co-funded by the Australia-Tonga bilateral health program in collaboration with the regional Vaccine Access and Health Security Initiative (VAHSI).

Chief medical officer in charge, Dr Tevita Vakasiuola, said the incinerator addressed a long-standing need for a more resilient and environmentally-friendly medical waste management system, especially in the outer islands.

The waste management system installed, is one of three under the AUD$2.1 million waste management investment. A second incinerator is scheduled to be installed in ‘Eua in November, and an Ecosteryl unit to be commissioned at Vaiola Hospital, Tongatapu in 2023. Dr Vakasiuola thanked the Government of Australia for their ongoing support.