The president of Tonga's Dialysis Foundation says they are trying to raise $US1 million to get a dialysis unit up and running in the new year.
Siosaia Moehau said it had been very difficult to get government buy in and earlier hopes a Fijian provider would help out, fell through.
He said they are forging ahead anyway and have begun sourcing resources including looking for some land close to the main hospital.
Mr Moehau said they also wish to set up home based dialysis for patients.
"Well we have been struggling for help trying to establish the dialysis treatment here in Tonga and hopefully soon we should have something solid going on," he said.
"We have a few machines donated already on its way from Australia that should be here by mid January or by the end of January 2018."
Siosaia Moehau said there is also a plan to attract medical staff from Australia and the U.S.
Foundation patron HRH Crown Prince Tupouto’a ‘Ulukalala (centre), President Siosaia Moehau (left) and member Sangster Saulala Photo: Tonga Dialysis Foundation
