The people of Bougainville now have access to improved health services with the official opening of the upgraded Arawa Hospital.
From 2015 to 2018, the Australian Government provided PGK33.8 million for the upgrade of the then Arawa Health Centre to a district hospital. Under the partnership arrangement, the Autonomous Bougainville Government purchased equipment for the hospital at a value of PGK4 million.
The hospital was officially opened on Friday 29 June by the Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Hon. Peter O’Neill, President of the Autonomous Region of Bougainville, Hon. John Momis, and Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis.
“Australia is proud to deliver these new and expanded health facilities in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Autonomous Bougainville Government,” said Mr Davis.
“It is great to see the upgraded Arawa Hospital already supporting the delivery of improved services to the people of Bougainville, from babies being delivered safely to life-saving surgeries being performed.”
The hospital upgrade includes a range of improved facilities, including a labour ward, surgical facilities, general medical wing and multipurpose wing with 24 new ward beds, nurse stations, pharmacy dispensary and biomedical laboratory.
A key part of the project was the provision of an on-site Family Support Centre for survivors of family and sexual violence to access specialised health care. The centre includes counselling and consultation rooms, safe rooms, transit accommodation, and disability access.
Since the hospital opened to the public in early 2017, the delivery of health services to Bougainville people has doubled its daily operational attendance, admissions, antenatal care and deliveries. Women from remote communities around Arawa who previously have not had access to maternal care have been able to come to the facility to deliver their babies safely.
The project generated around 500,000 hours of construction-related employment to the local economy and strengthened local trade skills. It was delivered through the Papua New Guinea – Australia Partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Department of Health.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
Prime Minister Peter O'Neill, ABG President John Momis and High Commissioner Bruce Davis officially open the upgraded Arawa Hospital.
Mother Lizdelmar Pa’ai and her baby Benjamin visit the Maternity Child Health ward at the Arawa Hospital.