“Appointment of a New Minister for Health”

1 February 2024

His Majesty, King Tupou VI has appointed Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola of Pahu, Kanokupolu and Kolomotu’a as the new Minister for Health, Ministry of Health, Government of Tonga. This appointment was made following a recommendation from the Hon Hu’akavameiliku, Prime Minister to appoint Dr ‘Akau’ola to the position, in accordance with Clause 51(2) of the Constitution of Tonga. The appointment was effective from 27th January, 2024.

The Hon. Dr. Siale ‘Akau’ola succeeds Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, who resigned as Minister of Health effective on 27th January 2024, to take up his appointment as the World Health Organisation(WHO) Regional Director for Western Pacific at Manila, Philippines.

Hon. Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola is not new to the Ministry of Health and the Government of Tonga. He had 37 years of working experience in Government at the Ministry of Health. He was first appointed to the public service in 1986 as a Medical Officer after completing his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery Studies from the University of Papua New Guinea. He was promoted to senior management positions throughout the years including Medical Officer Special Grade, Senior Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent. He also completed further studies in Clinical Pathology. In 2009, Dr ‘Akau’ola was appointed by the Public Service Commission as Chief Executive Officer for Health, a role he served for 14 years until his retirement from the public service in May 2023.

The Government of Tonga welcomes Hon. Dr ‘Akau’ola to his new role in Cabinet.