Kolovai Health Centre re-opens [1]
Saturday, October 5, 2013 - 09:52
The Kolovai Health Centre on the western district of Tongatapu re-opened its doors on October 4 after being refurbished with a grant of over $20,000 pa’anga from the Australian Government.
Tonga’s Minister of Health Lord Tu‘i‘afitu and Scott McLennan a First Secretary from the aid program of the Australian High Commission in Nuku’alofa attended the opening hosted by the Kolovai community and the Ministry of Health.
Mr McLennan said Non-Communicable Diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are reaching epidemic levels in Tonga, claiming the lives of many people. “Health centres like this one are helping to halt this increase in illness,” he said.
The refurbishments included the provision of medical equipment, an extension to the building, the construction of a new entrance and ramp, re-tiling, plumbing, paint and furnishings.
Kolovai Health Centre is expected to provide important health services to 10 villages in the western district (Hihifo) which consists of 558 households. It is the fourth centre after Houma, Nukunuku and Kolonga Health Centres were refurbished in 2011, with assistance from the Australian Government. Fua’amotu Health Centre is up next.
Lord Tu‘i‘afitu and Scott McLennan.
Healthcare
In 2009 the Australian Government committed AU$7.5 million to improve healthcare in Tonga through the Tonga Health Systems Support Program that addresses the rise in diabetes, strokes and hyper-tension.
The program had developed an Advanced Diploma of Nursing in non-communicable diseases with the help of Professor Jill White of the University of Sydney with 20 local nurses taking part in a 30-week course, which ends in December.
Dr Toakase Fakakovikaetau, the NCDs Community Health Coordinator, said early next year there should a nurse trained in prevention and treatment of NCDs in every health centre across Tonga.