Hela health authority appoints board, staff given uniforms

THE Hela health authority (PHA) now has a new board that was sworn in yesterday at the Tari Provincial Hospital.
The event coincided with the presentation of new uniforms to its staff and the signing of contracts with eight churches that provided health services which the PHA would fund for their administrative work.
Ten members were sworn in including provincial administrator William Bando, who is the ex-officio.
They were sworn in by Hela district court clerk Simon Wai.
Oil Search Ltd chief executive officer Peter Botten was reappointed chairman of the PHA while Rev Olene Yawa, representing churches, was also reappointed the deputy chairman.
The other members are Janet Koriame representing women, Euralia Tagobe (local community), Amos Libe (business), Peter Curtain (business), Tonny
Kende (local community), Thomas Hengepe (district services)
and Pascoe Kase (Health Department).
Botten said Hela was not like it is today three years ago since the launch and appointment of first board and through their work with churches, health workers and other partners, healthcare in the province had improved.
“I’m happy to be reappointed by the national and provincial governments,” Botten said.
The confirmation and signing of the reappointment and appointment of other officers were done last month and yesterday the board was declared.
Botten welcomed new board members Tonny Kende and Thomas Hengepe and acknowledged retiring members Yawas Komiapu and Hetra Hekele.
Botton said despite the ongoing security situation and other challenges in Hela, he was confident the authority would continue to serve the people and improve healthcare.