WHPHA marks 60 years with new radiology unit opening

The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority [WHPHA] on Friday celebrated a historic milestone of 60 years of delivering healthcare services to the people of Western Highlands and the wider Highlands region.

The celebration was marked by the official opening of a brand new modern radiology unit at the hospital campus along with new dental equipment and the presentation of vehicles to support health services.

The new radiology suite is now fully operational now equipped with state-of-the-art medical machines worth over K5 million funded by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited [KPHL].

The equipment includes a CT Scan, a Mammogram, and a modern digital imaging system, all aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment for patients across the region.

WHPHA Board Chairman Sam Koim thanked KPHL and Minister responsible William Duma for responding to the board’s request.

Mr. Koim says such important medical equipment can be delivered in a short time if investments are made in the right priorities.

“These are services we have missed for many years but when we put money in the right place, we can achieve a lot in a short time.”

Koim also revealed that even before the official opening, 46 patients have already undergone diagnosis and treatment using the new machines.

" Even before opening the Radiology Unit, 46 patients have undergone diagnostics using the new medical machine and you can see the dire need for such service needed by this hospital".

" That is K46, 000 already saved by 46 families; money that will used to get this service elsewhere," Koim reiterated.

He says the new services will reduce the need for patients to travel out of the province saving both time and money for families.

WHPHA Acting CEO Jane Holden also acknowledged the strong support from the parliamentarians of the province saying the hospital has been delivering consistent and quality healthcare since 1966.

“We are proud of the services we have provided over the years and with this new facility, we will continue to improve healthcare for our people," Ms. Holden said.

Meanwhile, Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa says gone are the days when his people used to seek advanced medical care far away, as the services they need are now provided at the doorstep.

“The days of our people travelling far and overseas for advanced treatment are over. We now have these services here at home,”stressed Governor Rapa.

Also, during the event, Governor Rapa also presented they keys of three new vehicles to the PHA including a 25-seater coaster bus for nurse and two Toyota Land Cruiser 10-seater vehicles - one for Mitiku Health Centre in Dei Distric and one for the PHA.

The Health Authority also received support from the Eagle Foundation which funded three digital dental chairs worth K300,000 now ready for use which was also opened along with the radiology suite.

The event also marked a major milestone with Mt Hagen General Hospital now officially recognised as Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital.