KUMUL Petroleum Holdings, in partnership with the Western Province government, has inau-gurated a new health centre in Teapopo, a remote area along the Fly River. This development represents a significant im-provement in healthcare access for local communities, who previously endured long and challenging journeys to Daru or Balimo for medical services.
The opening ceremony was led by Luke Liria, Kumul Petroleum’s Executive General Manager for External Affairs, with the presence of key provincial and government officials. The health centre is a key addition to the region’s infrastructure, reflecting the collaborative efforts of Kumul Petroleum, local government representatives, and health authorities.
Dr. Liria highlighted the importance of the new facility, stating, “Investing in health-care facilities such as the Teapopo health centre not only improves the livelihoods of community members but also contributes to the broader development and prosperity of our nation. Kumul Petroleum Holdings remains committed to supporting Papua New Guinea’s healthcare system.”
The Teapopo health centre is equipped to address critical community needs with six in-patient wards, an antenatal clinic, and a month’s supply of essential medications. Its design includes sustainable features such as solar power, rainwater collection, and a septic system, ensuring its self-sufficiency in its remote setting.
Serving approximately eight villages along the north bank of the Fly River delta, the new centre will significantly reduce the ar-duous travel times previously required for medical care. The K4 million investment in the facility underscores Kumul Petroleum’s commitment to improving health infrastructure across Papua New Guinea, including urban areas like Port Moresby.
The establishment of the Teapopo health centre resulted from a strong partnership between Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, Member for South Fly Hon. Sekie Agisa, the Fly River Provincial Government, and the Western Province Health Authority. Provincial Improvement Program funds from the Department of National Planning and Monitoring supported the project, with building materials provided by Rhodes and construction by Dokana Papua Construc-tion Limited.
Health Challenges in Western Province
Western Province, like many remote regions of Papua New Guinea, faces significant health challenges. The vast distances between communities and healthcare facilities often lead to delays in receiving care. Residents frequently make long, arduous journeys to access basic medical services, exacerbating health issues and impeding timely interventions.
The Teapopo health centre is a crucial step in addressing these challenges. By bringing essential medical services closer to the community, it promises to improve health outcomes and support the well-being of thousands of residents. This development not only addresses immediate healthcare needs but also supports broader efforts to enhance health infrastructure and accessibility across the country.
Alignment with Government Development Goals
The development of the Teapopo health centre is in harmony with the Papua New Guinea government’s Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP). This plan prioritizes the expansion of health infrastructure by focusing on building and upgrading facilities, especially in underserved and remote areas. Enhancing the quality of health services is another key aspect, with efforts directed toward increasing funding for healthcare programs, improving the train-ing and distribution of healthcare workers, and ensuring that essential medical supplies are available.
A significant part of the plan is addressing health disparities in rural and remote communities. The Teapopo health centre is a critical project in this regard, as it brings essential medical care and emergency services closer to isolated populations. Additionally, the facility supports national health policies aimed at reducing mortality rates, improving maternal and child health, and promoting preventive healthcare measures.
Overall, the Teapopo health centre exemplifies the government’s commitment to achieving its development goals and advancing the health system across Papua New Guinea.
The Teapopo health centre exemplifies the government’s commitment to achieving its development goals, reducing health in-equities, and improving overall health outcomes across Papua New Guinea. This initiative not only offers immediate benefits to the Teapopo community but also supports broader health system reforms outlined in the MTDP.