Australia boosts health care in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Australia is continuing to work with Papua New Guinea to boost health care.

Recently, the Australian Government delivered a much needed ambulance to the people of Arawa, in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, boosting health care services in central Bougainville.

The vehicle has been fitted with equipment including a high frequency radio, stretcher and stainless steel storage cabinets.

Australian High Commission Counsellor (Bougainville) Tim Bryson said Australia is proud to work with Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government on these development issues.

“The ambulance will go a long way in providing much needed health services for the men, women and children of Arawa and surrounding areas,” Mr Bryson said.

“The vehicle will help staff to deliver outreach programs and transport patients who have been referred to Buka Hospital,” he said.

Acting Secretary for the ABG Department of Health, Dr Anthony Pumpura, said the ambulance will support efforts to provide better access to health care, especially for women and children.

“The donation of the ambulance is timely as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, PNG and Australian Governments have recently established a partnership arrangement which will involve upgrades to the Arawa Health Centre so it can function as a hospital providing surgical-curative services.

Dr Pumpara advised that the partnership arrangement established in March 2015 through a Memorandum of Understanding will see renovations to the Theatre, Laboratory, Surgical Ward, Labour Ward, X-Ray and Out Patient Department commence prior to the end of 2015.

Mr Bryson said: “Australia, working in partnership with the PNG and Autonomous Region of Bougainville Governments, remains committed to long term peace and prosperity in the region.”