Ipatas Commits K2 Million to Wabag District Hospital, Challenges PHA Leadership

Enga Provincial Governor Sir Peter Ipatas has committed K2 million in infrastructure funding to Wabag District Hospital following a courtesy visit to the hospital at Sopas today.

The commitment comes amid growing concerns over the increasing pressure being placed on Wabag District Hospital following the closure of Wabag General Hospital and the opening of the Enga Provincial Hospital.

The hospital has experienced an influx of patients, placing additional pressure on its existing workforce, infrastructure and resources.

During his visit, Sir Ipatas challenged Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Board Chairman Mr Kenneth Andrew and PHA CEO Dr Vincent Pyakalia to work harder and ensure the provincial government’s vision of delivering quality healthcare services reaches people at the village level.

Sir Ipatas said the Enga Provincial Government remained committed to supporting the two key sectors of health and education, which he described as the foundation for the province’s long-term development.

“We spent 20 years planning for Innovative University of Enga, facing up education in Enga, while we spent another 25 years planning for the Enga Provincial Hospital. Now health and education are okay, yet we need to bring the standards and quality up,” Sir Ipatas said.

He said the provincial government had invested significant time and resources into establishing major institutions and infrastructure in the province, but the focus must now shift towards improving the quality and accessibility of services.

Sir Ipatas also appealed directly to the PHA Board Chairman and CEO to expedite the necessary processes to open Paiam Hospital before the end of this year since fundings were already made available in 2023.

He said strengthening Wabag District Hospital must also be given immediate attention before resources and attention are progressively extended to hospitals and health facilities in Laiagam, Kandep and Wapenamanda.

The Governor commended the work of Wabag District Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Max Pagali, acknowledging the efforts of the hospital’s medical and support staff despite the challenges confronting the facility.

He further mentioned that, Kompiam District Hospital has set standard for the province while being yet one of the top rural hospital in the country and the province as a whole.

Another immediate intervention announced during the visit was the provision of a 25-seater coaster bus for the hospital.

Sir Ipatas said the bus would primarily assist with staff transportation and reduce the pressure on ambulances, allowing emergency vehicles to remain available for patients requiring urgent medical attention.

“A 25-seater coaster bus will be delivered to you for the purpose of staff transportation, and K2 million as an infrastructure grant. Therefore, I urge Dr. Pagali and the CEO to quickly do the paperwork and submit it as soon as possible,” Sir Ipatas said.

The Governor’s visit comes at a time when health facilities across Enga are experiencing increased demand for services, particularly following the transition of major provincial-level health services to the new Enga Provincial Hospital.

Sir Ipatas said the provincial government would continue to support the health sector, but urged the PHA leadership to ensure that government investment translates into better services, improved infrastructure and quality healthcare for people at the village level.

He said the provincial government’s commitment to health and education would remain firm, but the responsibility now rested with the relevant institutions and leadership to ensure the investments delivered tangible results for the people of Enga.