Lae hospital pulled down for new facility

 ONE of the country’s major referral hospitals has been demolished to make way for new infrastructure and facilities.

Minister for Health and HIV-AIDS Michael Malabag yesterday witnessed the start of demolition work on the Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae by contractors, Hornibrooks Construction.

He thanked the Australian government for meeting 50% of the cost of the work.

Malabag said three temporary wings would be built to serve sick people until the completion of the new hospital.

“We must not lose sight of the current facilities as a lot had been done and a lot will be done continuously to change the image of this 

hospital. 

“I have made it clear to the health secretary, senior management and acting CEO that the money we have right now must be spent to clean up, renovate and paint the facility,” he said.

Hornibrooks Construction chief executive officer Matthew Lewis said a new 350-bed ward would be built.

“We need high quality buildings for our patients because at the end of the day, health is most important in the country,” he said.