Firm to run hospital

 THE management of Tabubil Hospital in the North Fly District of Western now comes under Diwai Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a subsidiary of Divine Word University. 

The hospital, which is owned by Ok Tedi Mining Ltd, has been serving its employees and their families, contractors and communities from Western and Telefomin district for years.

It is known as a provincial referral hospital, servicing the North, Middle and South Fly districts. 

OTML managing director Nigel Parker said the company three years ago began looking for an organisation to take over the management of the hospital.

He said they agreed with the Divine Word University to develop the hospital into a teaching facility which will support students under the rural health programme. 

Parker said the company would continue to support the hospital. 

He acknowledged contributions made by the Fly River provincial government, organisations and contractors in Tabubil. 

“It is a referral hospital for the province and that puts extra burden on the staff and the funding commitment,” he said.

Chairman of the hospital board and president of DWU Fr Jan Czuba said it was more of a partnership than a takeover. 

“It is not a takeover. It is a confirmation of the partnership between OTML and the university,” he said.

“We would like to provide quality health services to people of OTML and from this part of the province.”

He expressed confidence in the Tabubil Hospital management under its administrator Margareth Samei.

He said the board would not interfere with the management of the hospital.