The Health Ministry will supply medicinal relief supplies to Tonga after the Northern Island, namely Ha’apai, was devastated by the recent cyclone Ian.
A total of $177,135.19 worth of medicine supplies will be sent to Ha’api Tonga by the Sea Mercy Emergency Response Fleet.
The Sea Mercy Emergency Response Fleet is a floating health clinic which provides free health care services to the remote islands and to islands that need assistance during disasters.
The Hand-over of medicines will take place on Friday at the Vuda Marina in Lautoka by the Ministry of Health Deputy Secretary Hospital Services, Dr Mecuisela Tuicakau.
The relationship with the Health Ministry and Sea Mercy Emergency Response Fleet arose when the founder and president, Mr Richard Hackett of Sea Mercy contacted the Health Minister.
This eventuated in a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sea Mercy Floating Health Care Clinic Program in November 2013.
The Health Minister Dr Neil Sharma said it is important to assist neighbouring Pacific Island countries in times of need.
“This will show the Health Ministry’s commitment towards improving health services not only in Fiji but also in the Pacific region,” Minister said.
The initiative will assist towards developing and implementing effective programs to reach out to those remote islands that currently do not have proper health care services or facilities to support their people. Through this program, needed medicines and medical expertise will be disseminated.
MINFO