Koroba hospital project moves closer to delivering specialist healthcare

Construction of the new Level 4 Koroba District Hospital is progressing steadily, bringing specialist healthcare services closer to thousands of people in Koroba Lake Kopiago District who have waited years for improved medical care.

The K65 million hospital is the fourth district-level hospital being delivered under a partnership between the Governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank. It will be the Highlands Region's newest Level 4 district hospital, serving Koroba Lake Kopiago District in Hela Province and surrounding remote communities.

Koroba Lake Kopiago MP William Bando said the project remains a top priority because health is the foundation for development.

“Health is the lifeline of the people. We do not have time. People need to have access to this facility,” Mr Bando said.

To speed up delivery, the District Development Authority [DDA] has brought in additional carpenters and workers at its own expense.

“I and my DDA are paying for extra workers to ensure work progresses quickly and is completed,” he said.

Mr Bando said construction is focused on five core hospital buildings, with two already under construction.

“Once the five buildings are completed, that means the hospital is completed. Other infrastructure like staff accommodation can come later,” he said.

When completed, the hospital will provide both primary and secondary healthcare services, including general adult medicine, paediatrics, maternal and child health, surgical services, in-patient and out-patient care, mental health, obstetrics and gynaecology, pharmacy, dental services, medical imaging, and a 24-hour emergency department.

Supporting infrastructure will include a Family Support Centre, kitchen and laundry facilities, guardians' amenities, a mortuary, generator and incinerator block, and staff housing.

While construction continues, the DDA has opened a temporary district hospital at St George Catholic Parish. The facility was launched last Friday to ensure people continue to receive healthcare services during the construction period.

“When people are in good health, they will meaningfully participate in SME and agricultural activities. That is how we build the nation,” Mr Bando said.