By WASITA ROYAL
RABAUL Provincial Hospital in Nonga opened a new mortuary on Friday, capable of holding up to 20 bodies. The facility, built at a cost of K200,000, will help the hospital meet the growing needs of the community.
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority, Dr. Danny Toti, emphasized the importance of the new facility, highlighting the rise in violent incidents in the area, which has led to bodies being stored for extended periods while awaiting post-mortem examinations.
“This new mortuary will support families during their most difficult times,” Dr. Toti said.
He also thanked the government for its assistance in making these upgrades possible.
The East New Britain Provincial Government, led by Governor Michael Marum, played a key role in securing funding for these improvements.
Marum stated that the new mortuary would address public concerns, often raised on social media, about the government’s support for the hospital.
In addition to the mortuary, a new generator has been installed to provide a steady power supply to the hospital around the clock.
Chairman of the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority Board, Nick Lyons, noted that the hospital’s original facilities, built in the 1960s, require significant upgrades.
Lyons added that Rabaul Provincial Hospital, serving as a referral center for the New Guinea Islands Region, is also recruiting skilled doctors from Port Moresby to enhance the quality of care.
These improvements signify a new chapter for Rabaul Provincial Hospital, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to providing better healthcare for the community.
