The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Yasuo Takase, visited Vaiola Hospital on Friday April 24 and viewed the new hospital which was financed with $17.7 million from the Japanese Government.

Accompanied by the Minister of Health, Hon Dr Viliami Tangi, the Ambassador viewed the one-storey T-shaped building funded by Japan and commissioned by King Taufa'ahau Tupou IV in 2006.

It includes a midwifery unit, an obstetrics ward, neo-natal intensive care wards, operating theatres, surgery wards, an x-ray facility, a bio chemistry laboratory and private rooms.

"This is my first official visit to Vaiola Hospital and I am happy to be here because Japan has prioritised the health sector in its assistance to help develop - thus improve the health of the people of Tonga," he said.

Part of the hospital was established through Grant Aid from Japan and the Ambassador said they would continue to assist with the upgrade of the hospital and the people of Tonga should fully utilise the assistance.

He also visited other parts of the new hospital funded by other donors such as a two storey-building wing consisting of a paediatric children's ward, medical ward and isolation ward, funded by a $10-11 million pa'anga loan by the Tonga government from the World Bank.

Also present was the Counsellor of the Embassy of Japan Mr Akira Ouchi, Mr Matsui Nobuaki the Resident Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Director of Health Dr Siale 'Akau'ola and Sr 'Ana Kavaefiafi.