Over 100 boxes of medical supplies were donated to the Ministry of Health by the People’s Republic of China in an official handover at the MOH headquarter in Tofoa this week, on 11 February 2025.

Dr Lu Qingyang (Dr Luke) as head of the China Medical Team, told Matangi Tonga that the donated supplies would helpt meet the immediate needs at Vaiola Hospoital.

“This donation is a matching donation according to the professional needs, in order to effectively improve the medical situation in Tonga,” Dr Luke said.

The Chinese Ambassador, HE Mr Liu Weimin, officially signed over the donation. The supplies included medicine, medical consumables and medical equipment, which cover several specialties including gynecology, orthopedics, anesthesia and pathology.

The donation was officially received by the new Minister for Health, Hon. Dr Ana ‘Akauola.

She thanked China and noted that the Tonga healthcare system had received assistance in recent years from China.

She also acknowledged the China Medical Team who helped to make this donation possible, and for assisting the country with free medical services over the last six months.

Dr Luke said that China would continue to donate medical supplies to the Ministry of Health of Tonga every year.