PM O’Neill Praises the Work of YWAM to Deliver Healthcare to Remote Areas of Papua New Guinea
PM O'Neill made the comments when launching the first outreach visit of the MV YWAM PNG in Port Moresby on Tuesday.
"I would like thank the crew and volunteers on this ship," the Prime Minister said.
"The people in the remote areas where you are delivering medial support and training truly appreciate the work that you are undertaking.
"When I was told about this project some years ago I had no hesitation in committing Government support.
"The purchase and refurbishment of this ship will help thousands of people and their communities in the years to come."
The Prime Minister further thanked YWAM patrons and government officials for their commitment to partner with the Government for the delivery of healthcare services.
"The delivery of healthcare continues to improve in Papua New Guinea with close to two billion Kina being spent from the national budget each year.
"We are now starting to fund every hospital in the districts through the District Services Improvement Program, provide direct funding to provincial hospitals and
we are increasing funding for referral hospitals.
"We are moving beyond the underfunded and demoralized health system of the past, but more must be done and we thank YWAM for their commitment to improving healthcare in our country.
"Our Government works in partnership with churches and NGOs so we can draw on our strengths, and this commitment with YWAM is one of those strong partnerships.
"I congratulate the patrons of the project, former Prime Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu, and former Queensland Parliament Speaker and Townsville Mayor, Mike Reynolds, and YWAM Medical Ships Australia Managing Director, Ken Mulligan, for their tireless efforts.
"I also thank Minister for National Planning Charles Abel for his ongoing work to ensure the delivery of this project and the service it will provide."
PM O'Neill said he hoped the volunteers on the YWAM project will take home not only satisfaction for their work in changing lives, but would make many friends and have warm memories of Papua New Guinea.
"God bless each and every one of you for the work you are doing for our country and our people," Prime Minister O'Neill said
For more information about YWAM in Papua New Guinea visit: www.ywamships.org.au .
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