GINNAH MINI-UPNG Journalism Student
HEALTH Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore has appointed a new acting CEO for Laloki Psychiatric Hospital on Monday.
The previous acting CEO, Dr. Daoni Esorom, had a three-month contract that expired last week Friday, and his position has been given to Dr. Ludwig Nanawar, who has been the Director of Medical Services at Laloki. Hon. Kapavore highlighted why he has to go to Laloki and choose the new acting CEO as the Minister.
“CEO is usually appointed by the board; however, the Mental Health Board term expired 15 months ago, so there’s no board. That’s why I, as the minister, have to intervene and appoint the CEO,” said Minister Kapavore.
He also appointed Dr. Nelson Mek as the acting Director for Social Change and Mental Health Services for Laloki. Minister Kapavore urged the Laloki staff to work with the new acting CEO and director so that the patients coming to Laloki will be rehabilitated and healed completely.
“I represent the Marape-Rosso Government and our people, and we see Laloki Psychiatric Hospital as a government institution. We want to make it a priority to make sure that we reset the systems to deliver the core function of this particular facility,” said Minister Kapavore.
The minister said that he will make the board a priority to set good governance for Laloki and that the nine board members that need to be in place will be appointed.
Dr. Nanawar highlighted his plan for Laloki as a new acting CEO.
“I am determined to get this hospital back to level 4 by the end of 2025 and by the end of 2028 get the level up to level 5. We also have a big plan to develop this place into the Institute of Mental Health, which will not only cater to the hospital patient care but also research, training, and community-based treatment,” said Dr. Nanawar.
Minister Kapavore noted that he will work to improve the HR and increase the CEO position’s grade to make it attractive for applicants.
