Happening now · September 2026

Tonga's first joint replacement surgery programme begins as Vaiola Hospital opens renovated sterilisation department

A volunteer New Zealand surgical team led by Dr John van Dalen begins up to 12 free hip and knee replacements at Vaiola Hospital on Monday, now that the hospital's new sterilisation department has been opened.

  • 7knee replacements
  • 3hip replacements
  • 10–12operations planned
Read the story →
Official event banner: The first-ever arthroplasty surgical team in the Pacific. Making history in Tonga. 24th September – 3rd October 2026. Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Tonga.

Support ongoing work in Tonga

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.

Proposed operating theatre with clean air ventilation, stainless steel walls and anti-static floor
Latest news
The upgraded CSSD (central sterile supply) wash room at Vaiola Hospital

Tonga's first joint replacement surgery programme begins as Vaiola Hospital opens renovated sterilisation department

A volunteer New Zealand surgical team led by Dr John van Dalen begins up to 12 free hip and knee replacements at Vaiola Hospital on Monday, now that the hospital's new sterilisation department has been opened.

Read the full story →
Operating table in the upgraded theatre at Vaiola Hospital

From a sightseeing trip to joint replacements: how one surgeon's visit changed orthopaedic care in Tonga

Dr John van Dalen came to Tonga in 2018 at his own expense, planning to look around. Eight years later, his work with Rotary, churches and Vaiola Hospital has made joint replacement surgery possible in Tonga.

Read the full story →
Timeline

Recent Achievements

  1. First orthopaedic surgical visit

    Dr John van Dalen begins multiple visits involving clinics and orthopedic surgical procedures

  2. Telemedicine support

    During the Covid lockdowns telemedicine support was provided to Tonga surgical team, this telemedicine continues today between visits.

  3. Trauma table project delivers equipment

    Surgical Trauma table donated by Whanganui Hospital and shipped to Tonga with the support from Whanganui North and Christchurch Rotary Clubs in New Zealand.

  4. Rotary Global Grant Approved - #GG2128455

    $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.

  5. Orthopedic surgical equipment arrives

    Equipment purchased and shipped to Tonga from Quantum Surgicals, Bangalore, India.

  6. Tongan firsts

    • First fixation fracture neck of femur using the Surgical Trauma table.
    • First closed rodding of femoral shaft fracture using the Surgical Trauma table.
    • First closed rodding of Tibial shaft fracture undertaken.
    • First fixation of slipped upper femoral epiphysis.

  7. Vaiola Hospital operating theatres upgraded

    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

  8. First joint replacement visit

    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

CURRENT PROJECT

Upgrading Operating Theatres

Dr. John van Dalen, an Orthopaedic Surgeon from New Zealand, launched the Orthopaedic Surgical Trauma Project in Tonga with the support of Rotary International and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand. The project aimed to enhance surgical services in Tonga by providing a specialized trauma table and offering previously unavailable procedures. As the project progressed, it became evident that the operating theatres at Vaiola Hospital needed upgrading to meet current standards and expand the range of surgeries, including joint replacements for arthritis patients.
Learn More
Presentation about the health care system in Tonga by Dr. John van Dalen. Orthopaedic Surgeon, Whanganui Hospital.
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Funding progress

Project funding

US$580,000 raised
  • Operating theatres US$350,000
    Funded Completed
  • CSSD (central sterile supply department) upgrade US$120,000
    Funded
  • Trauma equipment US$35,000
    Funded
  • Arthroplasty (joint replacement) operations US$75,000
    Ongoing

Funded by

  • Operating theatres (2025) and CSSD (2026): principal funder The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, supported by Rotary New Zealand and the Ministry of Health, Tonga.
  • Arthroplasty visit (2026): Rapid Relief Team (RRT), Plymouth Brethren Christian Churches of New Zealand.
  • Trauma gear (2026): RRT, Rotary Club of Whanganui North, the New Zealand High Commission in Tonga and Rotary Club of Nuku’alofa.

Donations

Tongan Medical Project

Global Grant Number: GG2456392

New Zealand donations can be made to:

RNZWCS Limited (Rotary New Zealand World Community Service)

Bank account: 03-1702-0192208-01

Reference: 428

Registered Charity (CC26860) for New Zealand Tax Credits

International donations:

Rotary Club of Whanganui North

Charitable Trust (Inc)

#2 Global Grant Account

Bank account: 03 0791 0056288 000

Swift code: WPACNZ2W

Have any questions?

Feel free to get in touch to set up a meeting or to ask us any questions you may have.

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Allow cookies