Mendi Munihu DDA donates vehicles to SHPHA, boosting healthcare services in Southern Highlands

Healthcare delivery in Southern Highlands Province has received a major boost following the donation of four new vehicles by the Mendi Munihu District Development Authority (DDA) to the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHPHA).

The official handover took place on Friday at the Mendi Provincial Hospital, with key stakeholders present, including Mendi Munihu DDA CEO Philip Koka, SHPHA CEO Dr. Joseph Birisi, Deputy Provincial Administrator for Law and Justice Dr. Emmanuel Kumpio, SHPHA board members, local health workers, and members of the public.

The vehicles now fully registered under SHPHA and managed by its fleet team are intended to improve transport logistics, facilitate emergency response, and enhance rural medical access across Mendi Munihu District.

The initiative is part of ongoing efforts led by local MP Raphael Tonpi, supporting DDA's move following concerning health indicators presented during SHPHA’s 2024 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) review, particularly in maternal and child health.

“Transportation remains one of our biggest bottlenecks in delivering timely healthcare,” Koka said. “With these new vehicles, we are filling a critical gap.”

The vehicles will be used for emergency medical response, especially in remote areas, maternal and neonatal care transportation and general health outreach and patient transfers within the district.

In addition to improving service delivery, the initiative is creating employment for local drivers, providing an economic boost alongside health improvements.

Mendi Munihu DDA has a long track record of supporting health projects in the province, and, Mr. Koka also acknowledged the contributions of former MP Michael Nali, who was instrumental in establishing the province’s CT scan facility, a cornerstone in SHPHA’s vision of developing a specialist hospital.

Under Hon. Tonpi’s leadership, the current DDA administration has not only maintained but expanded these efforts, ensuring the CT scan service is now fully operational.

In addition to the four donated vehicles, SHPHA has independently acquired two more ambulances to further support healthcare logistics: one ambulance has been assigned to Ialibu District Hospital whilst nother will support SHPHA’s Projects Team, which oversees infrastructure development across SHP.

This brings the total new fleet additions to six, a significant milestone in SHPHA’s efforts to strengthen service delivery in both urban and remote communities.

SHPHA CEO Dr. Joseph Birisi commended the partnership between the DDA and SHPHA, describing it as a model for other districts.

“Health is everyone’s business,” Dr. Birisi said.

“Mendi Munihu DDA has set a benchmark by investing in healthcare. These vehicles will directly impact lives by reducing delays, improving outreach, and ensuring our people receive timely care.”

He encouraged health workers to take full advantage of the new fleet to maintain SHPHA’s status as one of the top five Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) in the country.

“With these vehicles now on the ground, there should be no excuses. We must continue to lift our performance and deliver the level of care our people deserve.”

The handover ceremony ended with a strong message of unity and accountability. Dr. Birisi reaffirmed SHPHA’s commitment to reaching all communities, regardless of geography, in alignment with the National Department of Health’s development plans.

“Leaving no one behind is our greatest satisfaction,” he said.

The initiative is a significant step forward for Mendi Munihu District and underscores the critical role of local leadership in transforming public healthcare in Papua New Guinea.