Tonga’s Ministry of Health is facing scrutiny after an allegation arose regarding a mother’s death attributed to their negligence.
The revelation was raised during the national development summit currently underway in Nuku‘alofa.
Viliami Takau, the Tourism chief executive, told the Minister of Health during the summit that they would not be able to bring back his wife to life.
He said a legal action has been launched, apparently, against the Ministry.
He claimed his wife died unexpectedly due to the Ministry’s alleged actions. The legal action was taken to hold the Ministry accountable and ensure such incidents are not repeated, he said.
Takau, visibly emotional and speaking through tears just a few meters away from the Minister of Health, shared that after his wife’s death, he took his son to the hospital for medical treatment after two of his son’s fingers had been severed. He claimed that while the doctor recommended surgery, he ultimately decided against it.
He eventually took his son to New Zealand, where a doctor advised against the surgery, warning that it could damage the nerves.
“The advice here was different from the advice in New Zealand,” he alleged, speaking in Tongan.
Takau also mentioned that he was aware of plans to establish a coroner’s office.
He urged the Minister to accelerate the project, emphasizing that families deserve to know the causes of their loved ones’ deaths.
Takau understood that many people had the same experience he had.
He also urged the government to prohibit doctors from operating private clinics and ensure they work exclusively at the main hospital to guarantee a consistent standard of care for the people.
National Development Summit
The consultation at the Fa‘onelua Convention Center is currently underway allowing members of the public to evaluate the nation’s development progress under the Tonga Strategic Development Framework 2015-2025 and create strategies for 2026-2036.
It is open to the public under the theme “A Resilient Tonga through Transformative Action: Safeguarding Our Heritage.”
Participants shared their experiences with government services and policies during the summit.
