By: Bing Mau | NBC Simbu | March 28th, 2025
Simbu Provincial Health Authority (SiPHA) recently hosted a significant visit from the Right Honorable Elias Kapavore MP, Minister for Health, marking a pivotal moment for healthcare development in the province. The visit, spanning from March 27th to 28th, 2025, served as the official launch of Simbu PHA’s ambitious strategic plans and the commissioning of vital new clinical services.
The invitation, extended following the Board’s approval of the 2025 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), 2025-2027 Corporate Plan, and the 2025-2029 Service Development Plan in late February, was met with an enthusiastic response from the Health Minister.
Key Highlights of the Minister’s Visit:
On Friday, March 28th, the Health Minister visited the Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial (SJNM) Kundiawa Provincial Hospital where he officially launched several crucial healthcare milestones:
- Commissioning of the Mammogram: A vital diagnostic tool for early detection and prevention of breast cancer.
- Ground Breaking Ceremony for the Labor Ward and Special Care Nursery (SCN) Extension: Addressing the increasing birth rates and high perinatal mortality in the Highlands region.
- Launching of the Corporate Plan 2025-2027 and Development Plan 2025-2029: Charting the strategic direction for Simbu PHA’s growth and service delivery.
- Commissioning of the World-Class Histopathology Laboratory and Telemedicine:
Enhancing rapid and accurate cancer diagnosis and facilitating timely interventions.
- Witnessing the Signing of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between SiPHA and District Development Authorities (DDAs): With Karimui-Nomane DDA being the first to formalize this crucial partnership.
On Saturday March 29th, a helicopter tour, organized by SiPHA, provided the Health Minister, Honorable Benjamin Mul MP, and SiPHA CEO Dr. Ken Kassi with an aerial assessment of potential Level 4 health facility sites across Simbu Province. This highlighted the need for improved accessibility and healthcare infrastructure throughout the region. SiPHA Board Chairman Mr. David Herman Nime and Deputy Chairman Mr. Ian Gore joined the aerial tour.
SiPHA Board Chairman, Mr. David Herman Nime, expressed his profound gratitude to the Health Minister, the accompanying dignitaries, local Members of Parliament, church health services, public servants, and the people of Simbu for their enthusiastic participation in the successful visit. He highlighted the collective vision to elevate eight existing Level 3 health facilities to Level 4 District Hospitals across Simbu’s six districts, further emphasizing the critical need for two Level 4 hospitals in the Karimui-Nomane district due to geographical challenges.
The Chairman also emphasized Simbu PHA’s commitment to training local doctors and health workers, conducting research at SJNM-Kundiawa Provincial Hospital, and fostering strong partnerships, evidenced by the signing of SLAs with the DDAs. He announced that Simbu PHA’s comprehensive Seven Pillars Vision will be detailed in an upcoming newsletter.
This landmark visit signifies a strong commitment from the National Government and local stakeholders towards strengthening the healthcare system in Simbu Province, paving the way for improved access, quality, and specialized medical services for its people.
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