MEMBER for Nipa Kutubu and Minister for Defence, Hon. Dr Billy Joseph is committed to ensuring Nipa District Hospital returns to fully pledged level 4 hospital.
To progress this, Minister Joseph has announced establishing productive dialogue with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA).
“I am happy to advise that a meeting between myself, SHPHA Chairman, Mr. Augustine Mano and CEO Dr Birisi has taken place at Hilton in Port Moresby today,” said Minister Joseph.
“This is a first of its kind meeting, and I thank the leadership of the Chairman Mr Mano for facilitating this,” he said.
Minister Joseph said the main agenda is for a collaborative effort to improve the health services in Nipa Kutubu.
“Our man focus will be on the phase 2 reconfiguration of Nipa District Hospital and making sure the infrastructure, staffing, and clinical services are at full level 4 capacity.
“The same attention will be given to Pimaga District Hospital in Kutubu,” he added.
“My position, and view which I did express to both of them, is that all focus should be on Ialibu District Hospital at the Eastern End and Nipa District Hospital at the Western end of SHP, to make them fully functional at level 4.
“This is to ensure both hospitals reduce the burden of the Mendi Provincial Hospital, then specialist services can be provided at Mendi, in that order, and not the other way around.”
Minister Joseph also indicated that he intends to have a Memorandum of Understanding (MoA) signed between Nipa Kutubu District Development Authority (NKDDA) and SHPHA
“I intend to have a Memorandum of Collaboration with NKDDA and SHPHA in the first quarter of 2025,” he said.
“On behalf of the Nipa Kutubu DDA and the good people of Nipa Kutubu; I welcome this new approach and look forward to working closely with SHPHA to improve our district health services in Nipa Kutubu”
