Moresby South District hospital will undergo assessment by health authorities
Seven years of work, with building nearing the end to a district hospital in the nation’s capital, now health standard assessment boxes need to be ticked off.
The Moresby South District Hospital is expected to be opened by the end of this year, but all will depend on the National Department of Health [NDOH] and the NCD Provincial Health Authority [NCDPHA] assessments to ensure it meets the requirements of a proper functioning hospital.
Moresby South MP Justin Tkatchenko led a team of health experts, doctors and officials from the NDOH and the NCDPHA in a walkthrough recently at the hospital.
Mr Tkatchenko says the Moresby South District Development Authority had received support of K11 million from NCD Governor Powes Parkop for the hospital and the full fit out of medical equipment.
"We started this project when I was Lands Minister seven years ago. The hospital is almost 90 percent complete with the infrastructure.
"It's about getting a common understanding and agreement with the health authorities," Mr Tkatchenko said
"We are not medical experts and we need your help to ensure that this district hospital meets the standard.”
Also, on the site for the walk through was Governor Parkop who said "we need a comprehensive plan to put in place clear strategies for services that will greatly impact our people in the city and meet the needs of our people.
"This is the initiative of the Moresby South Member, my job is to support him and the other MPs improve their districts.
"We've got to get it right. We need everyone to get into alignment so that we can fill the gaps in this hospital.”
NCDPHA chairman Daniel Waswas said they would work closely with the district administration to vet, verify and rectify changes that need to be made before its full operation.
NDOH acting Deputy Secretary National Health Standards and Compliance Wing, Dr Dora Lenturut - Katal said an assessment of the hospital would be carried out.
"For the safety of the patients and the staff of this hospital, we need to carry out an assessment to ensure that the facilities meet the National Health Service Standard,” Ms Lenturut-Katal said.