The Rotary clubs of Whanganui North (New Zealand) and Nuku’alofa (Tonga) have been helping Dr. John van Dalen with providing orthopaedic services to the communities of Tonga.
Dr John van Dalen begins multiple visits involving clinics and orthopedic surgical procedures
During the Covid lockdowns telemedicine support was provided to Tonga surgical team, this telemedicine continues today between visits.
Surgical Trauma table donated by Whanganui Hospital and shipped to Tonga with the support from Whanganui North and Christchurch Rotary Clubs in New Zealand.
$60,000USD was raised through Designated District Rotary Funds, Ministry of Foregin Affairs and Trade, NZ Rotary Clubs and Rotary Interantional Global Grant organised through Whanganui North Rotary club.
Equipment purchased and shipped to Tonga from Quantum Surgicals, Bangalore, India.
The upgraded operating theatres at Vaiola Hospital opened in May 2025, bringing them closer to international standards with clean air ventilation, stainless steel walls and anti-static floor. The US$350,000 upgrade was supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Rotary and other donors, and makes more complex surgery, including joint replacements, possible in Tonga. Read more
A surgical team led by Dr John van Dalen begins a pilot of joint replacement surgery at Vaiola Hospital, with seven knee and three hip replacements planned. Read more
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You can give online through our Givealittle page.
Donate online via Givealittle (opens in a new tab)Or donate directly to the bank accounts below.
Global Grant Number: GG2456392
RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand World Community Service)
Bank account: 03-1702-0192208-01
Reference: 428
Registered Charity (CC26860) for New Zealand Tax Credits
Rotary Club of Whanganui North Charitable Trust (Inc) #2 Global Grant Account Bank account: 03 0791 0056288 000 Swift code: WPACNZ2W
Feel free to get in touch to set up a meeting or to ask us any questions you may have.
