PNG Rural Hospitals Get K2 Million Climate Resilience Boost

A K2 million investment is improving the ability of three rural health facilities in Madang to deliver reliable services, with new power, water and building upgrades introduced under a climate-resilience programme in PNG.

 PNG Rural Hospitals Get K2 Million Climate Resilience Boost/Photo supplied

The initiative has focused on Yagaum Rural Hospital and the Saussi and Usino health centres, bringing infrastructure improvements to facilities serving communities in Madang and Usino/Bundi districts.

The Building Community-Level Climate Resilience project was officially opened at Yagaum on Thursday by New Zealand High Commissioner to PNG Georgina Roberts and Madang PHA chief executive officer Dr Martin Daimen.

The programme is supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and delivered in partnership with the Fred Hollows Foundation PNG, Madang PHA and the Foundation for People and Community Development.

Electricity reliability is one of the key areas addressed through the project, with solar systems and battery storage of up to 36 KVA installed at each of the three facilities.

Water supply has also been strengthened through the provision of storage tanks, pumps, tank stands and water collection systems.

The project has further covered improvements to patient facilities and the surrounding infrastructure, including sanitation facilities, handwashing stations, air-conditioning, ceiling fans, access ramps and verandahs.

Roofing, windows, paving, fencing, painting and other rehabilitation work were also undertaken.

Ms Roberts said the project showed the value of continued cooperation between PNG and New Zealand.

She acknowledged the contribution of the Madang PHA, National Department of Health, provincial and national governments and the management of the three facilities.

“All of you made this possible, Madang PHA, National Department of Health, Provincial Government, National Government, and the management of the three health centres. I would like to congratulate all of us who were involved in this project,” she said.

The High Commissioner also highlighted the role of communities in maintaining better health outcomes and urged people in the project areas to continue supporting health initiatives.

She said the upgraded facilities demonstrated how national and provincial health authorities, local communities and non-government organisations could jointly deliver environmentally sustainable improvements.

Dr Daimen said the project reflected the depth of cooperation between PNG and New Zealand and the importance of building local capacity.

“Today is a celebration of a deep, enduring and respectful partnership between the governments of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea, through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and Fred Hollows Foundation (FHF),” he said.

“New Zealand has always been a trusted partner. New Zealand has proven that true development is built on neutral respect and local capacity building.”