ExxonMobil PNG, the operator of PNG LNG Project, held a ceremony to open a brand-new community health post building in Juni, Hela Province last Friday (19/12).
This handover marks ExxonMobil PNG’s continued support to re-establish healthcare facilities in its Project areas that were affected by the 2018 earthquake.
The new health post comes fully equipped with two new wards, and upgraded with a hot water system, modern toilet, and shower facilities. It also has been expanded to provide ante-natal and post-natal care, inpatients wards, emergency and dispensary rooms, a drug storeroom, utility and procedure rooms, health promotions, counselling and testing of HIV and AIDS.
“This facility used to be a level 3 health facility, according to PNG National Health standards. Today, we are proud to handover an upgraded Level 2 health facility to the community and government,” said Kim Hahn, ExxonMobil PNG Upstream Asset Manager.
“This incredible work would not have been possible without the support and a strong partnership with local leaders, churches, local contractor companies, and the Hela Provincial Government.
We hope that this facility will provide improved and efficient health services for the people of Juni,” said Ms Hahn in the company of Dr James Kintwa, Chief Executive Officer of Hela Provincial Health Authority, who attended the ceremony.
The health post will now be able to provide health care services to the people of Juni, a community with a population of 5,000.
Sister Margaret Poge, the Sister in Charge of Juni Community Health Post, said the community were proud of the new facility.
“We only requested for a new building when the earthquake destroyed one of ours. We didn’t expect it to come fully equipped with a new one. That is just beyond our expectations.”
Before opening its doors to the community, the staff will undergo some training.
Earlier this year, ExxonMobil PNG has also handed over new medical staff houses and refurbished sub-health centres in Benaria, Mananda, and Para in the Hela Province.