Funded by the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), the NZMTS has operated in the Pacific for over thirty years, providing life-saving medical interventions and specialist care in Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. 

Through this initiative, the programme has supported Pacific patients with critical medical treatment while also strengthening local healthcare systems through training and capacity-building programs.   

The NZMTS plays a vital role in supporting resilient health systems that can withstand health security challenges and provide inclusive, sustainable care. The PMA Group is honoured to deliver the NZMTS, and to contribute to the shared goal of Pacific prosperity. PMA is proud to report on the many milestones that were achieved throughout 2024.   

In collaboration with local health ministries, clinical specialists and non-governmental organisations, the NZMTS oversaw 4,133 Pacific citizens accessing clinical services, including treatment at approved overseas institutions and in-country care provided by visiting specialists and medical teams. Of these, 14% were individuals from outer islands who received medical support through the scheme. Additionally, 638 Pacific health professionals have undergone training both overseas and in-country, strengthening local healthcare capacity.  

 “We see the NZMTS as more than just a medical programme. It’s about giving Pacific families hope,” said Debbie Sorensen ONZM, CEO of PMA. “For many, this scheme has meant a second chance at life, whether through critical surgeries, specialist care, or training local health workers to provide better care at home.” 

Under the Overseas Referral Component, which provides Pacific patients with treatment overseas that is unavailable in their home countries, 53 people received treatment from approved institutions. The approval rate has increased by 5%, with 49% for 2023 and 54% for 2024.  

Women made up 56% of total referrals, with 57% of patients presented being under the age of 18 years. 21% of patients referred were from rural areas and outer islands. 

Through the Visiting Medical Specialists component, 48 teams were deployed who provided support to 4,034 individuals and delivering 535 in-country surgical operations - dramatically increasing access to essential surgical care. These achievements were made possible through the collaboration and support of local health ministries, dedicated counterparts and deployed health professionals. Key milestones include the strengthening of the Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) screening in Tuvalu and Kiribati and introducing pacemaker insertion services in Samoa and Vanuatu through local and visiting medical partnerships.  

Specialised surgical teams in ENT, Paediatrics, Congenital Cardiology, and Oral and Maxillofacial care were deployed to enhance clinical services while also training in-country nurses - growing their numbers from 27 in 2023 to 89 in 2024.  

One of the standout achievements was the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts Initiative. which facilitated life-saving cardiac surgeries for 15 Pacific children in Suva, Fiji.  This was made possible through the NZMTS, in partnership with Hearts4Kids Foundation, Sri Sathya Sanjeevani Hospital and local health ministries.    

“Moments like seeing 15 children receive life-saving heart surgery through the Uto Bulabula – Healthy Hearts Initiative remind us why this work matters,” Sorensen added. “It’s about breaking down barriers so that no Pacific child is denied care simply because of where they were born.” 

The Strengthening Country Capacity (SCC) initiative is a vital component of the NZMTS, dedicated to enhancing the capabilities of healthcare professionals and strengthening health systems across the Pacific. In 2024, 46 capacity-building activities were supported, including overseas training for 26 Pacific medical professionals and support for 15 facilitators to deliver training.  Additionally, 241 healthcare workers participated in in-country training sessions, reinforcing the programme's commitment to skills development.   

Sorensen speaks on the significance of the work carried out through the NZMTS, and the regions shared commitment improved outcomes for the Pacific.  

“It has been an honour to witness the countless lives touched by NZMTS. We have fostered meaningful partnerships, delivered innovative solutions, and paved new pathways for our Pacific communities."