Thirty Tongans suffering from cardiac disease and defects received lifesaving cardiac operations from an Australian team of medical professionals at Vaiola Hospital in September.

The 44 volunteer professionals from different parts of Australia have perfomed the largest number of operations on a single trip to Tonga, over two and a half weeks.

The program is run by Open Heart International (OHI), a Sydney Adventist Hospital initiative with funding from the Australian Government and managed by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

Tonga's Director of Health Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola said the Ministry of Health would have spent AUD$60,000 to send only one patient to New Zealand for treatment.

“The program has provided Vaiola Hospital and the local community with invaluable benefits not only by giving these patients a second chance but also by supporting our ability to help others,” he said.

Open Heart International in Tonga. September 2013.

Life changing

Dr John Wallace the OHI Project coordinator said medical professionals from different parts of Australia volunteered their expertise and time and personally contributed to project expenses to be part of this life changing experience.

"It was fantastic to see the long lasting positive effects of the program, when one of the patients we treated in 1986 dropped in to visit."

The Australian team also mentored Tongan medical professionals in cardiac surgery and post-operative care.

Vaiola Hospital was also provided with integral equipment for the surgery and received long-term staff including a bio-medical engineer and anaesthestist funded under the Australian Government's aid program.

Open Heart International first came to Tonga in 1986 when a small group of medical professionals visited and were dismayed that cardiac procedures were not available in the South Pacific.

In addition, 22,060 Tongan children have been screened for rheumatic heart disease from 2008-13 through a program initiated by Tonga paediatrician, Dr Toakase Fakakovikaetau.

Open Heart International in Tonga with Dr Toakase Fakakovikaetau (right). September 2013.