The Ministry of Health has refused to support a move by the Tonga Dialysis Foundation (TDF) to establish a national dialysis unit in the kingdom.
Health authorities said the Ministry could not support the project because TDF had failed to show it had links with kidney specialists, had not submitted a financial plan, proved the project would be sustainable, or addressed issues of financial transparency.
TDF president Saia Moehau told Kaniva News they had met with Minister of Health and two doctors a number of times to discuss the proposal for a joint venture.
Moehau claimed the medical authorities were supportive during the meetings, but said different things in public.
“So, we totally stay away from them for the time being and concentrate on giving a second chance of life to whomever wants it,” Moehau said.
He claimed the TDF had the support of the king and queen.
He alleged that the Minister of Health had told their majesties that dialysis was not an option for Tonga.
Dr. Sione Latu, the Royal Physician said that while the TDF project was admirable, the King and the Queen would support TDF’s move with a gift of land to establish a dialysis unit only on certain conditions.
“For the record, Their Majesties will give the piece of land only if the dialysis project is totally a private venture, with no money drained out of the Ministry of Health budget,” Dr Latu said.
“They believe in MOH investing in primary and secondary intervention strategies because of the costs involved.”
The main points
- The Ministry of Health has refused to support a move by the Tonga Dialysis Foundation to establish a nation dialysis unit in the kingdom.
- Health authorities said the Ministry could not support the project because TDF had failed to show it had links with kidney specialists, had not submitted a financial plan, proved the project would be sustainable, or addressed issues of financial transparency.
- TDF president Saia Moehau claimed the project had royal support.
For more information
Ministry says no promise to open dialysis unit in Tonga, can’t endorse private clinic
