By Tupou Vaipulu Jr.

A new Pharmaceutical and Medical Facility built with New Zealand aid, was officially opened this afternoon by  Crown Prince Tupouto'a, with visiting New Zealand Deputy Prime Minister the Rt. Hon Winston Peters and NZ Minister of Health Hon. Shane Reti at Loto-Tonga, Veitongo.

The facility was donated to Tonga by the New Zealand government, to help the Ministry of Health proper store drugs and medical equipment.

“This central pharmacy warehouse will provide an essential location for receiving and distributing medicine, including vaccines and medical supplies to the rest of Tonga’s Health Facilities,” said Hon. Dr ‘Akau’ola.

“It will be fit for purpose and keep stocks [safe] from natural disasters and climate change risks, which our small island is very vulnerable to.”

Previously, the Ministry of Health struggled with storage space, especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The new Health Minister, Hon. Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola, said the Ministry had to rent a church hall and many shipping containers to store their supplies and equipment.

The New Zealand Minister of Health and Pacific People, Hon. Dr Shane Reti said that New Zealand was supporting Tonga and enhance preparedness for future pandemics.

“New Zealand is proud to have been able to support this project and is committed to deepening our relationship and partnership with Tonga in the areas of human development, health and well-being,” he said.

Rt. Hon Winston Peters said that this establishment is a project that would stand up to the test of time of valuable money.

The guests of honour were the Crown Prince  Tupouto'a 'Ulukalala and Princess Sinaitakala Tuku'aho.