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Hospital Upgrade by Japan

The Government of Japan has made the refurbishment and upgrading of the Vaiola Hospital a reality by funding the project under the ODA (Official Development Assistance). The Japanese Ambassador, H. E. Kenro Iino will officiate in the signing of the exchange of notes ceremony on 31st August 2004.

The Japanese contribution to the project is approximately ¥1, 017.5 million (TOP16.8 million) and it will take about fifteen months to attain completion.

Vaiola Hospital is the only hospital in the Kingdom which is capable of providing advanced medical care and plays a key role in the Tongan health care system.

The Government of Japan recognizes the vitality of a stringent health care system in a country's effort to reduce suffering, promote good health and increase productivity in order to be on track to achieve economic and national development whereby helping achieve economic and national development is the ultimate objective of Japan’s ODA

In light of the ODA objectives, it has been made possible for the Vaiola Hospital to get its first major upgrade since its inception 30 years ago and the timing couldn't be better because the hospital is in dire need of an upgrade.

This project is an added milestone in the unrelented support and cooperation the Government of Japan has extended to the Kingdom of Tonga and it also gives further significance to the friendship that exists between the Government of Japan and the Government of Tonga.