K52 million health facility in South Fly District to serve 30,000 people

The Morehead Health Centre in Western Province was officially opened last Friday, with a K52 million investment.

This healthcare facility is the result of a partnership between the PNG Sustainable Development Program [SDP] and the Western Provincial Health Authority [WPHA].

It aims to provide essential medical services to over 30,000 people in the Morehead Local Level Government area.

The center, funded by SDP, is part of its efforts to support health and education in remote parts of PNG.

It is designed as a level three facility but will be upgraded to level four after accreditation.

Services include maternity care, general inpatient care, dental services, laboratory services, pharmacy, sterile services, and a minor operating theatre.

Currently, the center is staffed with two full-time doctors, two health extension officers, and around 20 medical and support staff.

Local leaders emphasized that the facility brings hope to families who have struggled with limited healthcare options and are committed to caring for the facility for future generations.

Government to support staff at new Morehead Health Center

The Minister for Health Elias Kapavore during the opening said that the government will support staffing at the new facility.

He also confirmed that the health center will soon be upgraded to a level four district hospital.

Minister Kapavore praised the transformation of the facility from a small health center to a modern, state-of-the-art facility, commending the PNG Sustainable Development Program [SDP] for its partnership with the Department of Health and the government.

He assured that the National Department of Health and the government are ready to assist the Western Provincial Health Authority CEO in plans to strengthen staffing at the center.

Minister Kapavore also highlighted that many procedures once referred to Daru Hospital or other locations, are now being performed at the Morehead Health Centre.

He assured the community that he would direct the Secretary for Health and the accreditation team to visit the center and begin the process of officially designating it as a level four district hospital.