PM opens hospital in Arawa

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill has opened a K33.8 million upgraded district hospital in Arawa, Autonomous Region of Bougainville, on Friday.
The upgraded hospital has a labour ward, surgical facilities, general medical wing and multi-purpose wing with 24 new ward beds, nurse stations, pharmacy dispensary and bio-medical laboratory.
The hospital has a family support centre for survivors of family and sexual violence to access specialised healthcare like counselling and consultation rooms, safe rooms, transit and disability access.
The Arawa Health Centre was upgraded to a district level hospital through the PNG-Australia partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government’s Department of Health.
Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Bruce Davis, said Australia was proud to deliver these new and expanded health facilities in partnership with the PNG and Bougainville governments.
“It is great to see the upgraded hospital supporting the delivery of improved services to the people of Bougainville, from babies being delivered safely to life-saving surgeries being performed,” he said.
The hospital was opened to the public in 2017 and has since seen an increased daily operational attendance, admissions, ante-natal care and deliveries.