Hela PHA launches fundraising drive to rebuild health services
The Hela Provincial Health Authority [Hela PHA], in partnership with the Hela Provincial Government, has launched a fundraising campaign to support improvements in health service delivery and hospital redevelopment across the province.
The initiative aims to raise funds for the purchase of medical equipment and the upgrading of key health facilities, including the four district hospitals at Koroba, Kopiago, Komo and Margarima. Work on the main Tari Provincial Hospital redevelopment is also progressing through its design stage.
Hela PHA Chief Executive Officer Dr James Kintwa said the campaign’s main goal is to restore facilities that were damaged by the 7.6 magnitude earthquake in 2018.
“The main objective is to revive health facilities devastated by the deadly earthquake. The massive commitment by the National Government has never reached the province, leaving many of those facilities partially closed,” Dr Kintwa said.
He said that despite these challenges, the Hela PHA has made significant progress in improving health access in recent years.
“With the strong backing of HPG, respective DDAs and the National Government, the Hela PHA has completed upgrading more than 38 health centres and aid posts across the province, expanding healthcare access for thousands of people,” Dr Kintwa said.
“These facilities are now supported by 26 fully kitted ambulances, providing reliable emergency and patient transport services across all districts. Further, in recognition of the commitment of our health workers, Mineral Resources Development Company, through Petroleum Resources Kutubu, has pledged K1 million per year as a corporate sponsorship package for doctors and health professionals, complemented by an additional K500,000 per year from the Hela Provincial Government,” he added.
Dr Kintwa said the focus now is to ensure the four district hospitals are fully functional and able to operate as referral centres.
“Our focus now turns to upgrading the four district hospitals, not only through physical infrastructure and modern medical equipment, but also through recruiting qualified doctors, building staff capacity, and ensuring each hospital becomes a fully functional referral centre,” he said.
Two major fundraising events have been planned as part of the campaign.
The Kokoda Track Charity Walk will be held from 11–19 November 2025, led by Hela PHA staff and doctors to raise awareness and national support for the initiative.
A Fundraising Dinner Gala will follow on Sunday, 23 November 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Port Moresby, co-hosted by Governor Philip Undialu and Dr James Kintwa.
Hela PHA and the Hela Provincial Government have called on all partners, stakeholders and supporters to assist in the effort to rebuild and strengthen the province’s health system.