Doctors support hospital with X-ray, pathology unit

HELA’s Koroba Hospital is now equipped with an X-ray and pathology unit, courtesy of doctors working in partnership with Oil Search Foundation (OSF).
After the 2018 earthquake, and during a joint visit to inspect the damage across the province, Koroba-Kopiago MP Petrus Thomas, Hela health authority chairman Peter Botten, OSF executive director Stephanie Copus-Campbell and then Australian high commissioner Bruce Davis visited the hospital and committed to work together to improve its medical equipment.
Hela health authority chief executive officer Dr James Kintwa said: “Working together with our partners, we have all been able to deliver our promises.
“The X-ray and pathology unit is a big boost for the hospital and communities.
“Together, we undertook repairs to the water supply, renovated the maternity ward and repaired other hospital buildings.
“We will be able to diagnose and treat people quickly with the new equipment.
“We are excited to have the first doctor located in Koroba to serve the community.
“Dr Regina Nagiria is an experienced medical practitioner and having someone like her here in a rural area is vital for everyone.
“It is especially important for our mothers and the safe delivery of babies, the prevention and early treatment of childhood illnesses and addressing communicable illnesses such as tuberculosis, HIV and malaria.”
Community leader Yawas Komiapu said: “On behalf of the people of Koroba-Kopiago, we are grateful for this fruitful partnership.
“This will benefit us, especially our mothers and girls who can access services close to home.”
Copus-Campbell said: “We have been a partner with the authority and the Hela government for many years.
“Together with Oil Search, we have a deep commitment to support PNG and the Hela government.”