Simbu health services scaled down as El Niño affects water and essential supplies

The Simbu Provincial Health Authority and the Simbu Catholic Health Services have announced a temporary reduction in health services across the province, citing the worsening effects of El Niño on water supply, food security, and other essential resources needed to sustain normal operations.

The decision affects health facilities under both organizations, which say the continued dry conditions have placed pressure on health service delivery and forced them to prioritize the most urgent and life-saving care.

Similar drought-related concerns have been reported across Simbu in recent weeks, with communities facing water shortages and declining food gardens.

SiPHA chief executive officer Dr Kassi Ken and Bishop Paul Sindu of the Kundiawa Catholic Diocese said the adjustment is necessary to protect essential services while resources remain constrained.

Dr. Ken said the move is aimed at ensuring that frontline health workers can continue providing care in the areas of greatest need.

"Under the new arrangement, only critical services will continue. These include emergency care, maternal and child health services, and urgent outpatient treatment. Routine clinics, outreach programs, and other non-essential services will be temporarily reduced until conditions improve," he said

Bishop Sindu also said the decision was made with regret but was necessary to maintain service continuity during the current hardship.

He thanked health workers, church partners, and communities for their understanding and cooperation as facilities adjust to the ongoing drought-related impacts.

They urged the public to use available services responsibly and to work closely with health workers during this period of reduced operations.

The two organizations said they remain committed to serving the people of Simbu and will restore normal services once conditions improve.