AUSTRALIA and the Western Provincial Health Authority (WPHA) in Daru are proud to announce the operationalisation of the medical transport vessel MV Eileen, which is now helping provide access to health services to local communities.
Gifted by the Australian Government to Western Province in October 2024, MV Eileen allows the WPHA to reach remote areas such as the South Fly and Treaty villages with medical supplies and enables patients in hard-to-reach locations to be transported to Daru Hospital.
The MV Eileen is an alloy barge (river truck) with a covered deck, high sides, and a weatherproof cabin. It is also equipped with freshwater tanks and can transport up to 20 persons or 4-5 tonnes of cargo.
Western Province is characterised by uniquely challenging terrain, including low lying coastal areas, swamps and rivers, along with large variations in tides, water depth, currents and weather. Historically, these have made it difficult for patients to access health services.
MV Eileen was dedicated during a ceremony attended by the Honourable Governor Taboi Awi-Yoto, the Provincial Executive Council, WPHA acting Chief Executive Officer Dr. Miriam Boga.
WHPA CEO Dr Boga thanked the Australian Government for purchasing and making the vessel available for use in Western Province.
“As a maritime province, MV Eileen fills a huge gap in accessibility to our remote communities in transportation of medical supplies, building materials, outreach teams and many more. We thank the Australian people and government for their generosity in MV Eileen,” Dr Boga said.
Australian High Commission representative Dr Ramez Alhazzaa said that it was fantastic to see the MV Eileen in operation.
“We are delighted to see medical transport vessel MV Eileen take to the water. She supports the tireless work of the Western Provincial Health Authority in reaching patients with critical testing and treatment and provides safe transport for patients to Daru Hospital.
“The MV Eileen complements Australia’s other significant health investments in Western Province. We look forward to continued collaboration with the Papua New Guinean Government in driving the health outcomes for the people of Papua New Guinea,” Dr. Alhazzaa said.
