Nuku’alofa, Tonga — A growing question is being raised by members of the public: why has the Government, through the Ministry of Health, not supported Tonga Dialysis Incorporated with a formal letter of endorsement to pursue an opportunity reportedly involving US$50 million in American funding for the development of dialysis services in Tonga?
The question comes as concerns continue over how dialysis services could be expanded and made more accessible for Tongans who currently face significant costs when treatment is required overseas.
A DIFFERENT MODEL FOR DIALYSIS
According to information raised during a recent 88.1 FM – Letio ‘a e Kakai Tonga discussion, Tonga Dialysis Incorporated is an established non-profit organisation that has previously expressed an interest in operating and managing a dialysis centre in Tonga.
The organisation has indicated that it believes a community-led model could reduce the financial and operational burden on Government while allowing the organisation to pursue external funding and partnerships.
The key request is therefore not necessarily for Government to operate the service itself, but to provide the appropriate support and endorsement that could allow Tonga Dialysis Incorporated to pursue available assistance.
THE COST OF DIALYSIS ABROAD
The President of Tonga Dialysis Incorporated has indicated that dialysis treatment could potentially begin at around US$20 per session, depending on the arrangements and funding available.
For a patient requiring three dialysis sessions a day, the figure could reach approximately US$60 per day, according to the organisation.
By comparison, the organisation cited current treatment costs in Fiji of approximately FJ$260 for one dialysis session. Three sessions would amount to about FJ$780 per day, before accommodation, transportation and food costs are considered.
For families already dealing with serious illness, these additional expenses can create another layer of financial pressure.
WHO SHOULD OPERATE THE SERVICE?
Tonga Dialysis Incorporated argues that it should be given the opportunity to pursue funding, equipment and operational partnerships, while Government provides the necessary institutional support.
The organisation has indicated that it currently has 13 dialysis machines, while the Ministry of Health has publicly stated that it has nine machines, after previously having 10 and losing one.
The figures point to an important question: how can Tonga make the best use of all available resources to expand dialysis services for its people?
Rather than viewing Government and non-government organisations as competing providers, there may be an opportunity for them to work together — with clear responsibilities, standards and accountability.
LOOKING BEYOND GOVERNMENT
88.1 FM- Letio ae Kakai Tonga has also reached out to the leadership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to explore whether assistance may be possible.
Any such support would need to follow the Church’s established humanitarian processes and requirements, particularly because its humanitarian programmes assist communities in countries facing significant need.
The possibility nevertheless highlights the range of partnerships that Tonga could explore if there is a coordinated national approach.
A CALL FOR CLARITY
For the public, one of the most important questions is whether Government believes it can continue carrying the full responsibility for expanding dialysis services — or whether it is prepared to work with Tonga Dialysis Incorporated and other partners to pursue additional resources.
If Government does not have the capacity, resources or ability to pursue a particular funding opportunity, the public deserves a clear explanation.
That could include opening the door for Tonga Dialysis Incorporated to pursue the funding, equipment, technical assistance and partnerships necessary to establish and operate additional services, subject to appropriate Government regulation and oversight.
For families waiting for answers, this is not simply a policy discussion.
It is about access to treatment, the cost of staying alive and whether Tonga can bring together Government, communities and international partners to build a sustainable dialysis service at home.
The question now is not who owns the solution — but who is prepared to help deliver it.
