Minister opens Taurama health facility for use

 By SONIA KENU 

DEFENCE Minister Dr Fabian Pok yesterday commissioned the PNG Defence Force Military Hospital at the Taurama Health Centre. 

The Taurama centre was run down due to a retrenchment exercise in 2002 which contributed to the critical shortage of manpower and lack of maintenance.

Recently, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China constructed some new buildings, installed new medical equipment and organised long term schooling in China for PNGDF medical personnel. 

An Australian built ward was also refurbished by the Australian Army engineers through the Exercise Pukpuk programme since 2005. 

Pok said the upgrading of Taurama centre into a hospital was an aspect of the PNGDF health plan that was realised and witnessed in the commissioning ceremony. 

“I sincerely thank our partners from China and Australia for their continued assistance and contributions in making this health plan a success,” he said.

“I want to promote the following values to be incorporated in and practised in the PNGDF health system and the defence organisation – accountability, people-focused, integrity and equity.