Jiwaka PHA commissions new medical transit storeroom facility
Jiwaka Province has taken a major step forward in strengthening its health system, with the official opening of a new computerized Medical Transit Storeroom.
Health Minister and Pomio MP, Elias Kapavore, officiated the commissioning last Friday, describing the facility as a critical boost to medical supply delivery in the Highlands region.
Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority [JPHA] CEO Thaddeus Turi said the project was initially valued at K6 million, but an additional K2 million from JPHA operational funds was required to complete the modern facility due to rising material costs.
Jiwaka now becomes the third province in the country to operate its own medical transit storeroom.
Funded through a partnership between the PNG Government and AusAID, the facility is designed to meet international standards. It is equipped with solar power, cold-chain storage for vaccines, dedicated drug storage areas, and a central monitoring system overseen by certified pharmacists.
Mr Turi said the facility marks the beginning of a shift toward digital health systems in the province.
“The facility is computerized, and JPHA will soon move into e-medicine, managing medical supplies through an online electronic system,” he said.
He added that three full-time certified pharmacists will be employed to oversee operations and ensure proper management of medical supplies.
Mr Turi also acknowledged the support from both the National Government and development partners in delivering what he described as a “world-class” medical storage facility.
Minister Kapavore, in his address, urged JPHA to fully utilise the facility to improve service delivery in line with the National Health Policy 2021–2030.
He said the new storeroom will significantly improve supply chains for the province.
Previously, medical supplies for the Highlands were distributed through Lae and Mt Hagen. However, Jiwaka will now receive supplies directly from Port Moresby.
“This means Jiwaka PHA will receive full stock on time, reducing logistical costs and eliminating the need to travel to Mt Hagen,” he said.
The Minister also highlighted the country’s recent challenges in medical supply, noting that last year Papua New Guinea faced a 60 percent shortage following a fire that destroyed a major medical storage facility in Lae.
He said supply levels have since improved, with the country now operating at between 70 to 80 percent availability.
The new facility also includes staff housing for pharmacists, allowing key personnel to be based close to the storeroom to ensure timely monitoring and distribution of supplies.
Jiwaka Governor Simon Kaiwi and Provincial Administrator Rick Kogen, who were present at the opening, also pledged additional funding support for health services in the province.
This includes K150,000 for staff housing at Banning and Marangel Community Health Posts, K300,000 for Fatima Outpatients, and K275,000 for a fully equipped ambulance for Minj Health Post.