Kapavore commends New Ireland PHA in first official visit

Health Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore arrived in Kavieng, New Ireland Province, on Wednesday this week to visit the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority [PHA].

Chiefs welcomed the Minister with a traditional ceremony, joined by Governor Walter Schnaubelt, Provincial Administrator Richard Andia, PHA CEO Dr. Stennard Hiasiri, PHA Board Chairlady Dame Maria Kopkop, and senior officials from the provincial administration, government, and PHA.

The Minister attended a welcome dinner at Nusa Island Resort, where he spoke personally with the Governor, PHA leaders, board members, and administration staff.

Kapavore praised the PHA for its service, noting that New Ireland is the only province in the country with a female chairperson, while the other 21 PHAs have male chairmen.

He commended the province’s success in early detection and treatment of cervical cancer caused by the Human Papilloma Virus [HPV].

He urged the New Guinea Islands region to strengthen efforts against the re-emergence of polio and called on PHAs nationwide to shift their focus toward delivering services to remote communities.

Yesterday, Kapavore visited Kavieng Provincial Hospital and assess infrastructure and projects and also witnessed the signing of the Service Level Agreement between the Provincial Government and the PHA Board.