DR. JOHN TONAR SIGNS OFF HIS SERVICE TO SIR JULIUS CHAN
- Kotu Akema
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
By Paul Maima – Freelance Journalist
(EDITED by The Pacific Guardian)
Port Moresby,
28th April, 2025
From the towering mountains of Gor in Kundiawa-Gembogl, Simbu, to the tranquil coastal villages of Huris in Namatanai, New Ireland Province, and the remarkable journey of Dr. John Tonar in his medical service to Papua New Guinea is a story worthy of history books. His service transcends the ordinary and it is a story of trust, faith, and hope, and a legacy of love and friendship between a servant and a leader.
Dr. Tonar's path created an enduring bond between the people of Simbu and New Ireland. In today’s digital age, where the medical profession often promises lucrative rewards, Dr. Tonar chose a different calling from serving the people of Papua New Guinea, shunning materialism for a life of purpose.
More notably, he took a step further by becoming the personal Physician of Papua New Guinea’s founding father, late Sir Julius Chan.
For an extraordinary 23 years, Dr. Tonar was the trusted custodian of late Sir Julius’s health and well-being, forging a bond beyond that of a doctor and patient. While Sir Julius Chan stewarded the political destiny of PNG, Dr. Tonar carefully managed his health, ensuring the nation’s founding statesman remained strong.
At Port Moresby General Hospital as the very institution birthed by the visionaries like Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius Chan, and Sir Iambakey Okuk in 1975 in the medicine and politics converged. That institution nurtured professionals like Dr. Tonar, who would go on to serve one of PNG’s greatest political minds.
In a rare and touching ceremony recently held at a wellness lodge in Port Moresby, Dr. Tonar officially signed off his service to Sir Julius Chan. The event, witnessed by close family members and the media, marked the end of a profound chapter.
During the ceremony, Dr. Tonar paid heartfelt tribute to Sir Julius and the Chan family, expressing gratitude for their unwavering trust in him for over two decades up until Sir Julius’s passing on January 30, 2025.
“I was privileged to serve one of PNG’s prominent political leaders as his Physician,” Dr. Tonar said, humbly. A role he regarded as a sacred guardianship, ensuring Sir Julius remained in good health till his final breath at 85 years old.
A Journey That Began in 2002
Dr. John Tonar graduated with an MBBS from the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Medicine in 1996, and later undertook his FRACP specialist training at the Australasian College of Physicians between 2004 and 2008.
“My journey with Sir Julius began in 2002 at Port Moresby General Hospital,” he recalled.
“I was then a registrar when Professor Isi Kevau informed me that Sir Julius Chan would be brought in and I must stabilize him in ICU.”
When Sir Julius was brought in, he was suffering from ventricular fibrillation which is a life-threatening cardiac rhythm disorder, often triggered by heart attacks. Dr. Tonar and a team of national doctors acted swiftly, defibrillating and stabilizing Sir Julius. Plans were immediately made for a medical evacuation to Brisbane, Australia. But Sir Julius, in characteristic patriotism, refused.
He insisted that if Papua New Guinea had built Port Moresby General Hospital, and if professional national doctors were serving there, he would rather be treated at home than abroad. His decision placed immense pressure on the young Dr. Tonar and his team but they rose to the challenge.
Under their care, late Sir Julius recovered fully.
Thus began an enduring relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and loyalty.
A Lifetime of Devotion
Over the years, Dr. Tonar remained committed to late Sir Julius's health, occasionally taking him abroad for advanced medical procedures, including a ground-breaking robotic knee surgery in Singapore.
He emphasized the immense responsibility of caring for such a national figure, stating, “When you look after this kind of man, you have to be very careful, because if you make a mistake, you might be in trouble.”
Yet it was a role he carried out with utmost fear, care, and pride.
The relationship between doctor and patient deepened and built not just on medical expertise, but on friendship, trust, and shared values.
Before Sir Julius passed away, he left a symbolic, heartfelt gift for Dr. Tonar: a copy of his autobiography "Playing the Game", a necktie, and an envelope containing K300 as the same allowance he would occasionally give to Dr. Tonar. This final act symbolized deep respect and gratitude.
“I found the book in his office, and when I saw the K300, I wept bitterly,” Dr. Tonar shared, overwhelmed by emotion.
Honouring a Great Statesman
Sir Julius Chan's towering contributions to PNG’s nationhood in formulating the National Constitution, introducing the Kina and Toea, establishing the Central Bank, and serving twice as Prime Minister as to leave an indelible mark. Serving in ten Parliaments, a feat matched only by late Sir Michael Somare, Sir Julius embodied resilience, statesmanship, and visionary leadership.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his spirit and dreams for Papua New Guinea live on.
As Dr. Tonar said, “If Sir Julius was the last man standing, we were the last post he leaned against.”
A Distinguished Career in Medicine
Beyond his role as personal Physician to late Sir Julius, Dr. Tonar’s achievements are equally remarkable.
He served as Chief Executive Officer and Acting Chairman of Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial Kundiawa General Hospital (2010–2011), contributed to executive management and clinical leadership within the National Department of Health and HIV/AIDS, and played a pioneering role in institutional health development.
In recognition of his distinguished service, he was awarded the Meritorious Public Servant Medal (MPS) in 2017 and the Cross of Medical Service (CSM) in 2018. Moreover, Dr. Tonar was instrumental in critical initiatives like the proposed University of Goroka Medical School and led the COVID-19 protection protocols at UOG during the pandemic in 2020, safeguarding thousands of students and staff.
These unsung heroics speak volumes about his dedication to saving lives are often without fanfare, but with profound impact.
A Final Reflection
Sir Julius Chan’s gift to Dr. Tonar a book, the necktie, and the envelope which symbolizes the intertwining of leadership, service, economy, and nation-building.
It is a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations of doctors, leaders, and citizens. Sir Julius’s political journey began in 1968 and concluded only in 2025, a career of nearly 50 years of unwavering service.
His mentorship, commitment to governance, and advocacy for indigenous rights remain a treasure for Papua New Guinea.
As Dr. Tonar’s own journey alongside late Sir Julius comes to an end, he stands as a testament to the power of loyalty, compassion, service, and excellence.
To both late Sir Julius Chan and Dr. John Tonar, Papua New Guinea owes a debt of gratitude.
May the last man standing rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy endure through the lives he touched.
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