Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has been cleared of prostrate cancer.
A report from the Ministry of Health released to Kaniva News said a tissue sample removed from Hon. Pōhiva’s prostate was benign and showed no sign of cancer.
“Various reports in the media, stating that the Honourable Prime Minister is suffering from cancer, are untrue,” a government press release said.
“The Prime Minister and his family would like to thank all who have visited and offered prayers during this very difficult time.”
The release said Hon. Pohiva had been discharged from hospital over the weekend.
He had been in the Intensive Care Unit at Vaiola Hospital for observation and monitoring.
On Saturday his daughter Lautala posted a photograph online showing him and his wife Neomai and a friend spending time at a park in Popua.
His eldest son Siaosi said his father went to the Popua park after he arrived home.
As we reported yesterday, the Ministry of Health denied a report by Kakalu ‘o Tonga newspaper last week claiming Prime Minster ‘Akilisi Pōhiva has prostate cancer.
“The news is absolutely wrong and I do not know where they got their information from,” Dr. Sione Lātū from Vaiola hospital told Kaniva News last night.
Kakalu ‘o Tonga editor ‘Ulu’alofa Po’uhila told Kaniva News he had been subject to personal attacks on social media after he published the story last week.
Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva left last week’s swearing-in ceremony in Parliament early to return to hospital.
It is understood his doctor accompanied him to Parliament.
Hon. Pohiva missed the first sitting of Parliament because he was in intensive care.
The main points
- Prime Minister ‘Akilisi Pohiva has been cleared of prostrate cancer.
- A report from the Ministry of Health released to Kaniva News said a tissue sample removed from Hon. Pohiva’s prostate was benign and showed no sign of cancer.
- “Various reports in the media, stating that the Honourable Prime Minister is suffering from cancer, are untrue,” a government press release said.
- “The Prime Minister and his family would like to thank all who have visited and offered prayers during this very difficult time.”
For more information
MOH denies report PM has cancer as family threatens to sue Kakalu newspaper
