Hela backs Mt Hagen hospital serving Highlands patients
Thousands of patients from across the Highlands region are set to benefit after the Hela Provincial Government presented K200,000 to the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority to support healthcare services at Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital.
The funding, presented recently in Mt Hagen by Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa, marks the first financial contribution from the Hela Provincial Government to the hospital.
Governor Rapa welcomed the support and thanked Hela Governor Philip Undialu, his government and the people of Hela for recognising the hospital's role as a major referral centre for the Highlands region.
"Every day we receive patients from Hela, Enga, Jiwaka, Southern Highlands and other parts of the Highlands. This support from the Hela Provincial Government is a recognition of the vital service the hospital provides to our people," Governor Rapa said.
He described the contribution as timely, saying the hospital continues to provide specialist healthcare services to patients from across the region.
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO, Dr Jonah Kurubi, also thanked the Hela Provincial Government for the contribution.
"We are grateful to the Hela Provincial Government for this generous contribution. This funding will help us continue providing quality healthcare services to thousands of patients who come through our doors every year," Dr Kurubi said.
He said the support reflected a shared commitment to improving healthcare services for people throughout the Highlands.
Dr Kurubi also acknowledged the Eagles Foundation, corporate sponsors and individuals who supported the foundation's second Charity Ball earlier this month to raise funds for the hospital's Children's Intensive Care Unit [ICU].
He said the charity event raised K1 million, which will be used to upgrade the Children's ICU and purchase modern medical equipment to improve critical care services for seriously ill children from Western Highlands and the wider Highlands region.
"This support has come at the right time. Every kina raised will go towards its intended purpose of improving critical care services for our children," Dr Kurubi said.
Governor Rapa also thanked the Eagles Foundation, sponsors and business houses for supporting the fundraiser and revealed that the Enga Provincial Government pledged K50,000 during the charity ball towards the Children's ICU project.
Dr Kurubi reaffirmed the WHPHA's commitment to delivering quality specialist healthcare and welcomed continued partnerships with provincial governments, businesses and development partners to strengthen healthcare services across the Highlands.