Tonga’s leading hospital is grappling with a severe nursing shortage, with staff numbers halved since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaiola Hospital Matron Sr. ‘Akesa Halatanu revealed that the hospital now employs 176 nurses, down from 320 before the pandemic.
Across Tonga, the total number of nurses currently stands at just over 300. “The decline is primarily due to work opportunities overseas and personal reasons,” Halatanu said.
The alarming drop in nursing staff comes as the global community marks International Nurses Day under the theme ‘Our Nurses, Our Future.’ The theme highlights the critical role of nurses not only in health but in economic resilience as well.
“This year’s theme is a stark reminder that investing in and supporting nurses is vital for the health system and the economy,” Halatanu added.
Tonga celebrated both International Nurses and Midwifery Day from 5th to 12th May, with events highlighting the contributions and challenges faced by the nursing workforce.
As the nation continues to combat a dwindling workforce, health officials are urging for urgent policy measures to retain local nurses and stabilise the sector.
International Nurses Day is an international day observed around the world on 12 May each year, to mark the contributions that nurses make to society. International Day of the Midwife is observed every year on May 5th.
