A total of K500 million has been budgeted for the construction of a Level 5 Jiwaka Provincial Hospital, Health Minister and Pomio District MP Elias Kapavore announced on Friday in Jiwaka.
Minister Kapavore said K10 million has already been allocated in the current financial year for fencing and clearance of the 90-hectare site at Kilip in North Waghi District.
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The land, formerly owned by a Catholic agency, was recently transferred to the Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority (JPHA).
The Minister thanked the Catholic agency, North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul, and the surrounding communities for their cooperation in supporting this important health service.
While in Jiwaka, Minister Kapavore officially opened two newly built health centers at Banning and Marangal, each valued at K500,000.
He also performed the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new K7 million Area Medical Store building at Kurumul in Anglimp South Waghi District.
Meanwhile, Minister Kapavore announced that a Level-4 North Waghi District Hospital, estimated at about K70 million, will be established at Nondgul LLG.
He also presented a certificate formally declaring Kudjip Nazarene Hospital as the Level-5 Jiwaka Specialist Hospital and confirmed that the mission-run facility will be included in the 2027 National Health Budget.
“Despite negative criticisms about the current Government, the Marape-Rosso Government is delivering very impactful health services nationwide,” Minister Kapavore told the people.
He stressed that in 2018, the National Government’s health budget was K1.2 billion, but after 2022, when Prime Minister James Marape took office, the health sector budget has steadily increased and now stands at K3.2 billion.
“This Government is now working hard to bring health services closer to the people, so they no longer have to travel hours to access healthcare services.”
Minister Kapavore added that details, timelines, and implementation plan for the Level 5 hospital and other projects will be provided as the programs progress and additional budget approvals are finalized.
North Waghi MP Benjamin Mul thanked the Marape-Rosso Government and Minister Kapavore for recognizing Jiwaka with these major health investments.
He also expressed appreciation to the JPHA for its tireless work and leadership under CEO Thaddius Turi and the board.
“These important health services must be looked after well for generations to benefit from,” MP Mul said.
The people of Jiwaka welcomed the services and announcements with visible emotion, expressing gratitude and optimism for improved access to healthcare across the province.