Jiwaka health board calls for level 6 hospital
The Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority (JPHA) has officially sworn in its new 10-member board in Banz, marking the beginning of a new leadership term focused on improving healthcare services across the province.
Health Secretary Pascoe Kase, who officiated at the ceremony on Wednesday, said the newly appointed board comprises experienced and respected professionals who will serve as the third board since the establishment of the JPHA in 2019.
Former Independent Consumer and Competition Commission [ICCC] Commissioner Paulus Ain was sworn in as Board Chairman, while Andrew Tants, who previously served on the outgoing board as the business representative, was appointed Deputy Chairman.
Jiwaka Provincial Administrator Rick Kogen was also sworn in as an ex-officio member to strengthen coordination between the Provincial Health Authority and the provincial administration.
Other board members sworn in include: Ambrose Kwaramb – National Department of Health, Joseph K. Mangro – District Affairs, Paulus Ain – Board Chairman, Andrew Tants – Deputy Chairman, Peter Angelie – Business Sector Representative, Pastor Thomas Kaiye – Christian Organisation Representative, Julienne Kaman – Women’s Representative, Thomas Galye – Local Community Representative, Tissue Kunda Kui – Local Community Representative, Rick Kogen – Ex-Officio Member
Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Ain pledged to work with the new board to deliver quality healthcare services in line with national health policies and standards.
He also called on the province’s three district MPs, Governor Simon Kaiwi, the Health Minister, and the National Government to work together to establish a Level 6 Provincial Hospital in Jiwaka.
“I am urging the local MPs, the Health Minister, the National Government, and the provincial government to work in partnership to build a provincial hospital for the people of Jiwaka,” Mr Ain said.
He further stressed the importance of allocating the 20 percent health component from District Service Improvement Program [DSIP] and Provincial Service Improvement Program [PSIP] funds to support health infrastructure and service delivery.
Governor Simon Kaiwi, who witnessed the swearing-in ceremony, congratulated the new board and urged members to remain committed to improving healthcare services for the people of Jiwaka.
Governor Kaiwi also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Provincial Health Authority by directing PSIP health funding towards priority healthcare needs across the province.
The ceremony was attended by Health Secretary Pascoe Kase, Governor Simon Kaiwi, Manager for Health Standards Ambrose Kwaramb, JPHA Chief Executive Officer Thaddeus Turi, and other invited guests