The Kapuna Rural Hospital in Gulf Province has achieved a significant milestone with its recent upgrades funded by the Incentive Fund Project. The hospital was formally recognized as a Level 4 Health Facility by the National Department of Health (NDOH), with the Certificate of Accreditation approved on November 8, 2024.
Serving a catchment area of 15,000 people in the Baimuru LLG, as well as the eastern regions of Kikori and Ihu LLG, it was the recommendation of the NDOH National Standards and Clinician Team, after they performed a general health assessment of the facilities in September 2023, to be certified a Level 4 Health facility.
A cornerstone of public health services for these communities, the upgraded facilities now include a new emergency centre, dental clinic, birthing suites, operating theatres, and 24-hour solar power, among other amenities, ensuring that the rural hospital can meet the growing needs of its community.
Medical Superintendent for Kapuna Dr Valerie Archer, on the accomplishment quoted the Bible verse, Nehemiah Chapter six verse 16, how this work has been done with the help of our God. She further acknowledged the hard work of the volunteers from the Netherlands, Brazil, United States and New Zealand and most importantly, the local staff, throughout all the years of physical work.
“Looking back, it was a big undertaking for us but I believe that God gave us the right time to rebuild. A time when Curtain Brothers had a spare pontoon, a time when TotalEnergies were able to help with regular logistics. A time when we had the right people willing and able to help us,” says Dr Valerie.
“May the people of Gulf benefit from this new status, may we all benefit and may it point in the direction to a brighter future for the people of Gulf,” she added.
TotalEnergies EP PNG Limited, as operator of the Papua LNG project, supported the Kapuna Rural Hospital team with the Land Title, logistics for construction materials from Port Moresby to Kapuna and with logistics for National Department of Health Assessment team to Kapuna.
To date, the Project has supported Kapuna through the training of 200 Tuberculosis volunteers, 60 community health workers at Kapuna through the installation of a new sanitary mess and TB ward.
Marking a new era in healthcare delivery for the region, the upgrade of Kapuna Rural Hospital is a testament to the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership’s Incentive Fund, Gulf Christian Services, and other partners.
The recognition as a Level 4 health facility, underscores the hospital’s commitment to providing high-quality healthcare and its readiness to handle more complex medical cases, benefiting the entire population it serves.
