Rising up to the healthcare challenges in Port Moresby, Governor Powes Parkop has unveiled plans for a new NCD Level-5 hospital at Tete, Gerehu.

Artistic impression of the planned specialized and teaching hospital.

A high-powered inter-government committee of stakeholders held its first meeting on June 22, 20221.

The stakeholders include with representation from NCD Provincial Health Authority and National Capital District Commission. Others comprise of Prime Minister’s Office, the National Executive Council, Departments of Health, Works, Finance, Treasury and, Planning and Monitoring.

Artistic impression of the planned specialized and teaching hospital.

500-bed facility will become the country’s leading general health hospital, complementing the existing Port Moresby General Hospital. https://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/png-budget-pluses-minuses

Artistic impression of the planned specialized and teaching hospital.

1.6 MILLION PEOPLE TO BE SERVED 

Leading the Committee, Governor Parkop said:

This project is vital for national and city outcomes. It will serve 1.6 million people, including neighboring provinces for the time being as they build capacity. It also means that POM Gen can be released from its current pressure and truly become a specialized and teaching hospital.”

THE COST OF THE NEW PROJECT

It has already received a green signal from the NEC and approval from the Physical Planning and Building Board. It will cost an estimated budget of K500 million.

Artistic impression of the planned specialized and teaching hospital.

As Governor of this city, I am just taking the initiative to drive it forward to fruition. This is still a national project and I am hopeful and confident that the 2022 National Budget will also be able to cater for this major project. 

Our municipal government does not need the K500 million right away to begin, but any funding from K10-K20 million should get the ball rolling. We must not only depend on the government for funding. We are considering funding assistance from bilateral and multilateral donor agencies.

Costs include K280 million for infrastructure development and staff accommodation. In addition to this, the project needs K150 million for hospital equipment, with another K70 million for project development requirements.https://pngsun.com/2021/06/15/port-moresbys-liveability-report-questioned/

Artistic impression of the planned specialized and teaching hospital.

Governor Parkop emphasized:

Covid-19 has shown us that we need to build our capacity to respond to a pandemic and other healthcare challenges. This is a win-win for everyone. It is important that we build it in the shorted possible period.