Kapavore visits Jiwaka site for level five hospital

Health Minister Elias Kapavore visited Jiwaka Province on Sunday, to check the site for the new Level 5 provincial hospital.

This visit follows an agreement signed last year between the Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority [JPHA], the Health Ministry, the Catholic Archdiocese, and the Government to make the hospital a reality.

Mr Kapavore highlighted that the agreement is a major step towards improving healthcare in the province.

During his visit, he toured the 90-hectare site near Fatima Seminary College in Banz and confirmed the government’s commitment to completing the hospital by 2026, with K15 million already allocated for the project and urged the JPHA to fast-track the Clinical Services Plan for the hospital’s development.

JPHA CEO Thaddeus Turi explained that since the PHA’s formation in 2018, the board has worked to establish a healthcare system, with operational funds growing from K2 million in 2020 to K50 million in the current budget

“Until then, the JPHA extended its function like other PHA in the country; however, there are many challenges while working toward establishing a level five provincial hospital.” Mr Turi said.

 He openly shared his disappointment over the non-recognition of the JPHA in the last eight years since it became a PHA however, commended the Health Minister for his support in moving forward with many plans for the JPHA.

North Waghi MP, Benjamin Mull, who traveled with Mr Kapavore said that the Marape-Rosso government should make the dream hospital a reality for the people of Jiwaka.