Dr Pafilio Tangitau, Head of Emergency Department for Tonga's Ministry of Health, relays the supportive role that PACMAT provided.
"I think the most valuable aspect of the team presence for me was, firstly the reassurance that there will be 24 hours medical cover during the meeting."
"We were struggling to figure out how to provide 24 hours cover for the Pacific Islands Forum with our very limited human resources, because at the same time we have to provide cover on the floor in the Emergency Department. The 5 member team from the PACMAT helped with the cover at the PIF meeting while our team focused on the ED, together with our colleagues from Fiji who came to help in that week."
Dr. Veisinia Matoto, PMA Clinical Director for the New Zealand Medical Treatment Scheme (NZMTS), was the mission lead and physician specialist for the deployment and highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
"Our role was not just to provide clinical expertise but to integrate seamlessly with our Tongan colleagues and provide whatever support they may need. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the clinical lead, Dr Pafilio Tangitau, and his team from the Ministry of Health.
"The schedule was meticulously planned with 24-hour coverage, and we became part of the team, working side by side with our in-country counterparts. It didn’t feel like PACMAT was a separate entity, and all of the team being of Tongan ethnicity, speaking the Tongan language — we were one unit, united in purpose throughout the event."
Dr. Matoto also praised Tonga's Ministry of Health for their collaborative spirit.
"Their openness and willingness to embrace us as part of their team was commendable. There was no sense of operating in parallel — we were one collective, ensuring the highest standard of healthcare was maintained during such an important event."
Dr Kalo Lalahi-Jermyn, Clinical Director for PACMAT as well as Clinical Advisor for the NZMTS echoed this gratitude, acknowledging the exceptional coordination from Tonga’s Ministry of Health and affirming PMA’s ongoing commitment to support regional partners like the Kingdom of Tonga.
"The mission's resounding success is due to both PACMAT's professionalism and expertise, as well as the comprehensive Medical Response Plan crafted by Tonga's Head of Emergency, Dr. Pafilio Tangitau. PACMAT's seamless integration with the local team resulted in a well-coordinated and unified effort.
"We view our involvement as an opportunity to further strengthen our bonds and create an environment of mutual learning through the exchange of knowledge."
Photo source: Ministry of Health Tonga