Hela PHA expands rural healthcare access with new aid posts in Koroba
The Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA) has marked a significant step in improving healthcare access for rural communities with the opening of two new aid posts in the Koroba Lake Kopiago (KLK) District.
These vital health outposts are part of an ambitious initiative to restore and expand health services across the province, aiming to bring essential healthcare within reach for even the most remote populations.
HPHA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. James Kintwa, revealed that the construction of these aid posts represented a substantial investment of approximately K130,000, K700,000 for Hirupaiya and K600,000 for Kipongo.
“The HPHA remains committed to not only restoring aid posts that have ceased operations over the years but also to upgrading existing facilities and constructing entirely new ones throughout Hela Province,” Dr. Kintwa said during the official opening.
He emphasized that this ongoing expansion of rural health infrastructure is closely aligned with the National Government’s vision: ensuring every citizen can access healthcare facilities within an hour’s travel—whether by land, sea, or air. “Significant progress has been made so far, with several health posts and facilities reopened and now fully operational,” he noted.
According to Dr. Kintwa, the focus of health reform in Hela is not limited to the urban hospitals in Tari or the established district hospitals and health centers. “People living in remote and rural areas need to have easy, timely access to primary healthcare. Reviving and establishing aid posts are critical measures to achieving universal health coverage in the province,” he explained.
The recent opening ceremony for the Hirupaiya Aid Post showcased the dedication and perseverance of the HPHA team, who, led by Dr. Kintwa, undertook a one-day trek through rugged terrain and dense jungle to reach the site. Dr. Kintwa highlighted that the new aid post was constructed in full compliance with architectural and operational standards set by the National Department of Health, ensuring quality and safety for patients and staff.
“Currently, there is one dedicated health worker at Hirupaiya, and we are planning to bring in an additional staff member to enhance maternal healthcare and safe delivery services for the mothers,” he said. The following morning, the team continued to Kipongo village for a similar opening.
Addressing the community, Dr. Kintwa cited maternal mortality as a persistent threat for women in Hela’s rural districts.
“Establishing aid posts equipped with maternity wings is a crucial step toward safeguarding mothers and reducing preventable maternal deaths,” he said. “In nearly every facility opening, I urge fathers to take responsibility by ensuring that their wives and partners attend regular antenatal checkups and receive professional care during delivery.”