Bialla health centre opens new maternity ward

Health Watch
The examination room at the new maternity ward in West New Britain.

A NEW maternity ward has been opened next to the Bialla health centre in West New Britain. Donors and the Hargy Oil Palm Ltd project provided funds to build a proper maternity ward and equip it. Deputy director Nursing Services and chairperson of the WNB midwife society Sr Scholastica Baiwan said the ward had an ultrasound machine, ECG (electrocardiogram) and steriliser. It also has a spacious postnatal ward with eight beds. James Laula, president of the East Nakanai local level government, said West New Britain MP Sasindra Muthuvel would provide funding for a power generator plus a new ambulance to be provided by Governor Francis Maneke. Hargy Oil Palms Ltd manager Grahame Coleman said the company was happy to support donors and the provincial health authority. “We acknowledge that clinics are in the front line of fighting the Covid-19 pandemic and we hope this maternity ward also, indirectly, supports this effort by providing a separate facility away from the hospital for mothers and new-born babies,” he said.