By ESWIN PLESIO
RESIDENTS of Gasmata and surrounding communities will soon have access to improved healthcare services following the commencement of work on a new Level 3 Health Centre at Gasmata Station in Kandrian Gloucester District in West New Britain Province.
The K20 million project is mostly funded by the Minderoo Foundation, which has committed K18 million, while the West New Britain Provincial Government (WBNG) contributed K2 million.
The new facility fulfils a promise made by Australian billionaire Andrew Forrest (Minderoo Foundation Founder) after the opening of the Gasmata monument, which was built in memory of his uncle who lost his life when his aircraft was shot down over Gasmata during World War II.
The aircraft wreckage was later recovered and is now preserved inside the monument, serving as a reminder of the area’s wartime history and the Forrest family’s connection to Gasmata.
Speaking at the ground-breaking ceremony, West New Britain Governor Sasindran Muthuvel said the province had been fortunate to receive support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the National Government’s Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Project.
“We are fortunate to get support from the Asian Development Bank (ADB). So far, four communities were selected to receive modern infrastructure through the National Government and the Asian Development Bank Rural Primary Health Services Delivery Project; Baea, Vatukele, Akonga and Wako. Last year with Gloucester Health Centre and now we have Level 3 facilities in Gasmata,” Governor Muthuvel said.
He said the addition of the new health facility would further strengthen healthcare services in the province and improve access to quality medical care for people living in remote communities.
Minderoo Foundation representative Loretta Bele described the ground-breaking as an important milestone for the people of Gasmata, highlighting the years of dedication and collaboration that made the project possible.
“This groundbreaking ceremony is a significant milestone for the people of Gasmata. It reflects the many years of commitment, persistence and partnerships from the community, health leaders, government, church and the people of Gasmata and the surrounding communities,” Ms Bele said.
She said the project aligns closely with Papua New Guinea’s National Health Plan 2021–2030 and will help improve access to quality and affordable healthcare services, particularly for people living in remote areas.
Once completed, the Level 3 Health Centre is expected to provide better medical services for people in Gasmata and neighbouring communities, reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.
Provincial leaders have welcomed the investment, saying it will strengthen the local health system and improve the delivery of essential services in one of the district’s remote areas.
The partnership between the Minderoo Foundation and the West New Britain Provincial Government is being seen as a significant boost for rural healthcare, with the project expected to make a lasting difference to the lives of thousands of people across the district.