Ground breaking for new Kerema hospital and staff housing

The long-awaited construction of a new hospital in Kerema is now set to begin following a groundbreaking ceremony held today in Gulf Province.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore officiated at the event, which also included the groundbreaking for 20 new self-contained staff accommodation units for health workers.

Minister Kapavore was joined by Kerema MP Thomas Opa, Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta, Provincial Health Authority Board Chairman Augustine Mano, PHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Elvis Japhlet and other dignitaries.

The groundbreaking comes after clinical services at Kerema Hospital were relocated into newly refurbished and reconfigured temporary facilities.

The relocation will allow for the demolition of the old hospital building to make way for the construction of the new hospital.

During his visit, Minister Kapavore toured several upgraded facilities at the hospital, including a newly commissioned incinerator and operating theatre.

He said many of these services were either not available or had not been operating for more than 10 years.

Minister Kapavore said he was satisfied with the improvements made since his last visit in April last year.

He said the hospital will now be able to manage its own medical waste and carry out surgeries locally, reducing the need to send patients to Port Moresby.

PHA Board Chairman Augustine Mano said the improvements at the hospital were made possible through good leadership and governance.

Minister Kapavore said it is time to put all the negatives in the past that resulted in the down fall of health care service delivery and write a new story.