A new face-lift operating theater facility for lalibu District Hospital in Southern Highlands was commissioned by Health Minister Elias Kapavore on Tuesday.
The Minister also opened other facilities within the hospital include a refurbished Surgical Ward, Laboratory, X-Ray Department, Sterilization Room (CSD) and Dental Unit.
According to the lalibu District Hospital Manager, Limu Nimbo a total estimated cost of K3.5 million got this hospital upgraded to this new standard now.
Funding came through Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA). A separate funding for new hospital equipment at a cost of K1 million donated by the former Health Minister Dr Lino Tom.
Local building contractor Sakad Handyman Construction completed the work within four months.
Mr Nimbo explained the new anesthetic machine in the newly built theater is very expensive at a value ranging up to almost K1 million. The machine is fourth in the country and lalibu Hospital is privileged to have this special machine. Nothing such machines in other district hospitals in the province.
To compliment the changes to the hospital, modern electric surgical bed installed in the theater which is controlled by a remote device.
“An eight foot container filled with hospital equipment donated by an Australian Lutheran Church Missionaries, the Reverand Saki family. This missionary Saki came first into lalibu from Mt Hagen to establish the Lutheran Church now stands in lalibu. The family members toured lalibu District last year, 2024 and visited lalibu Hospital and it’s theater.
“After going back to Australia, they shipped this container with all hospital equipment, tools and machines worth in million. These includes, surgical ward beds, wheel chairs,
outdoor tents, ward chairs, medical tools and many others.
“We, the lalibu Hospital staff, thank the Rev. Saki family for what’s given already and more support yet to come soon,” Mr Nimbo.
He said priority now for the hospital is the urgent need of additional staff to increase the manpower. “Sectional departments and units lacks adequate staffs to swiftly carry out the work load as the hospital got its status to level four standard hospital now. This must follow with accommodation facilities to house the increased number of staffs,” he said.
Minister Kapavore said: “Today marks a proud moment for the people of Ialibu-Pangia and Eastern End people. The Government is committed to ensuring that no Papua New Guinean is left behind when it comes to accessing health care. These facilities are not just buildings, but symbols of hope and assurance that better health services are within reach for our people.”
The Health Minister concluded in acknowledging the dedicated efforts of the hospital board, management, and medical staff, whose tireless service ensures that these new facilities would directly translate into improved patient care and better health outcomes.
He said lalibu District Hospital and the community deserve my presence here to open these facilities and declare a level four hospital status.
Hon. Pila Niningi, MP, also commended the hospital management, staff, especially the SHPHA CEO Dr Birisi and its management, and the lalibu Hospital team under Dr Undi’s management for a job well done
He stressed further thanking the community in their support and stated that the new infrastructure will significantly reduce the burden of travel and cost for families who previously had to seek care elsewhere.
The National Government continues to prioritize investments in rural health services, with the aim of bridging gaps in service delivery, improving hospital infrastructure, and
supporting frontline health workers. The opening of these new facilities at lalibu Hospital reflects this ongoing commitment,” he said.
The Health Minister was accompanied by Minister for Justice and Attorney General Pila Ninigi, SHPHA Board Chairman and MRDC Managing Director Augustin Mano, SHPHA CEO Dr Joseph Birisi, board members, National Health Standards team and lalibu/Pangia District CE0, Samson Wereh with his Deputy Michael Ariando.