Koroba District Hospital to get a new X-Ray, Pathology unit and a first ever doctor 15^th Sep 2021

X-Ray and Pathology units are important components of health service delivery

They enable healthcare providers to diagnose, monitor, and treat medical conditions. Having experienced health professionals to deliver care and treatment is equally important.

The Koroba District Hospital in the Hela Province now has a containerised X-ray and Pathology Unit and for the first time ever, has a doctor at this District Hospital.

After the 2018 earthquake, and during a joint visit to inspect earthquake damage across the province, Member for Koroba, the Hon Petrus Thomas, Hela Provincial Health Authority (HPHA) Chair Peter Botten and Oil Search Foundation (OSF) Executive Director Stephanie Copus-Campbell, along with the previous Australian High Commissioner, Bruce Davis, visited Koroba Hospital and committed to work together to improve it.

Excited about the initiative, HPHA CEO, Dr James Kintwa said, “Working together with our partners, we have all been able to deliver on our promises. The establishment of this containerised X-Ray and Pathology unit is a big boost for the hospital and the community. Together we undertook repairs to the water supply, renovated the maternity ward, and repaired other buildings at the hospital.  We will be able to diagnose and treat people very quickly now with these new services available in Koroba.”

Koroba Hospital’s success today is an outcome of very strong partnerships

A community leader from Koroba, Yawas Komiapu said, “I am grateful on behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago District to see the fruition of good partnership. This important infrastructure will greatly benefit us, especially our mothers and girls who can access services close to home.”

During the recent opening of these facilities, The Australian High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Mr Jon Philip said he was happy to be a development partner in PNG under the Wok Bung Wantaim strategy and thanked the Oil Search Foundation, Oil Search Limited and other partners for their contribution to delivering great results.

The Hon. Petrus Thomas on behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago District, thanked the High Commissioner for supporting the redevelopment and for being there at the launch of the X-Ray & Pathology Lab.  He asked that his gratitude and appreciation be extended to the people of Australia.

He congratulated the Hela PHA CEO Dr Kintwa for recognising and supporting women’s leadership in the Province with Koroba District Hospital having two women now leading health services for the District- Rebecca Murama and Dr Regina Nagiria.

OSF Executive Director, Stephanie Copus-Campbell said, “We have been a partner with the HPHA and the Hela Provincial Government for many years.  Together with Oil Search Limited, we have a deep commitment to supporting PNG and Hela Provincial Government to achieve development outcomes. We look forward to continuing to work with partners and achieving such good results.”