Updated: Feb 6
THE people of Hanuabada Village and surrounding communities now have access to a modern Level 3 hospital, setting a new standard for primary healthcare in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Officially opened this week, the Metoreia Urban Health Centre is poised to serve over 60,000 residents of the Motu Koitabu villages, the Moresby North West electorate, and
neighboring Central Province communities.
This world-class facility, supported by the Australian Government, offers critical healthcare services previously unavailable or difficult to access in the region. It is staffed by 32 trained professionals and is designed to provide comprehensive primary healthcare that addresses the pressing needs of these communities.
Bridging the Gap in Healthcare Access
The Metoreia Urban Health Centre is equipped to deliver essential services including
maternal and child healthcare, outpatient care, and specialty services for tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, eye care, and oral health. The addition of these services is expected to reduce congestion at the Port Moresby General Hospital, which currently accommodates up to 17,000 births annually.
Health Minister Elias Kapavore highlighted the transformative potential of the facility.
“This hospital will safely deliver up to 1,000 babies annually, ensuring that more families have access to high-quality, life-saving care closer to home,” he said. Kapavore emphasized that fewer mothers and children will have to endure long journeys for critical health services.
A Historic Moment for Hanuabada
At the opening ceremony, Prime Minister James Marape underscored the historical significance of the Hanuabada community in PNG’s relationship with Australia. He acknowledged the Motu Koitabu people’s contributions and the necessity of giving back to them.
“This community holds a special place in our nation’s history, as it was the first point
of contact with the Australian administration,” Marape said. “Today, we are delivering
a facility that symbolizes our gratitude and commitment to providing a better quality of life for the landowners and their families.”
Australia’s Longstanding Support for PNG
The partnership between Australia and PNG in the health sector dates back decades. Australian High Commissioner John Feakes expressed pride in this enduring collaboration, noting that the first maternal health clinic was established in Hanuabada in the 1950s.
“Seventy-five years later, we are proud to open this facility, which will enable supervised
deliveries and improve maternal and child health outcomes. Together, we are giving children the best start in life,” Feakes said.
Healthcare Challenges and Opportunities in PNG
While the opening of the Metoreia Urban Health Centre brings much-needed hope, it also highlights systemic challenges in PNG’s healthcare system. Rising costs of medical care, limited infrastructure in rural areas, and a shortage of skilled health professionals continue to affect service delivery.
The National Health Plan (2021-2030) aims to address these issues by focusing on decentralizing healthcare services, upgrading rural health infrastructure, and improving workforce capacity. The new facility aligns with these goals, offering a model for how partnerships and targeted investments can enhance healthcare delivery.
Additionally, the hospital contributes to global development objectives, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being. By reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving access to primary healthcare, it sets a precedent for addressing inequalities in the healthcare system.
A Bright Future for PNG Healthcare
The Metoreia Urban Health Centre stands as a symbol of progress and hope. Its opening marks a critical step in PNG’s journey toward a more resilient and equitable healthcare system.
As operations commence, the facility is expected to deliver transformative benefits, offering families the care they deserve and alleviating pressure on overstretched urban hospitals.
For the people of Hanuabada and surrounding communities, the new hospital represents more than just a medical facility—it is a beacon of opportunity for a healthier and brighter future.