Enga Provincial Health Authority

16/06/2025

Visiting Pediatric Cardiologists Screen 35 Children at Enga Provincial Hospital

Visiting pediatric cardiologists Dr. Diaana Olata’a and Dr. Kunera Kiromat from Port Moresby General Hospital today conducted cardiac screenings for 14 children on Thursday and 20 on the last day at the Enga Provincial Hospital’s Pediatric Ward, as part of an ongoing effort to bring specialized child health services closer to rural communities.

The visiting specialists travelled this morning to Wabag, arriving around midday after working in collaboration with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHP PHA). They were warmly received by the Enga Provincial Health Authority (EPHA) paediatric team, led by Dr. Dama and Dr. Venessa Binene. Screening of patients commenced at 3:00pm and continued well past 6:00pm.

So far under this program, the Pediatric Ward at Enga Provincial Hospital has screened and recorded a total of 62 patients. Today’s 14 screenings mark the beginning of this year’s round of checkups for children with suspected cardiac issues.

The screening program will continue tomorrow, with Dr. Olata’a and Dr. Kiromat scheduled to assess the remaining patients alongside the local EPHA pediatric team. Meanwhile, the SHP PHA team, who supported the visit’s initial coordination, returned home after formally handing over the program to their counterparts in Enga.

Last year, a total of 57 children were screened under this initiative. This year, the number has risen to 65, a positive sign that families in Enga are increasingly accessing vital specialist services without the need to travel outside the province.

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03/06/2025

Official Notice

If you have children under 12 years old and below with heart conditions, please bring your children to the COPD at the Enga Provincial Hospital at Aipus for screening at the Children's Outpatients Department (COPD) from 2nd - 6th June.

We have not one but two visiting doctors from Pom Gen on the 12th of June.

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06/05/2025

Enga PHA Commemorates International Midwives Day with School-Based Awareness Programs

May 5, 2025

In celebration of International Midwives Day, the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) carried out a series of school awareness visits aimed at educating students on critical reproductive health issues affecting young people across the province.

Midwives and health professionals from Enga PHA visited Irelya Primary School, Wabag Primary School, and Kopen Day Secondary School, which are schools located in and around Wabag town. During these sessions, students engaged in discussions on topics such as teenage pregnancy, unintended pregnancies, and the heightened risks associated with underage pregnancies, particularly those requiring cesarean delivery.

A significant focus was also placed on the link between early sexual activity and the risk of cervical cancer, an important public health concern.

Speaking to the students, midwives emphasized the serious medical and social challenges young girls face when experiencing early pregnancies. These challenges often lead to complicated deliveries, long-term health implications, and disruption of education, placing emotional and financial strain on families and limiting future opportunities for young women.

“We were encouraged by the level of interest shown by the students,” said one of the midwives involved. “Their attentiveness and thoughtful questions demonstrated a real need for open, age-appropriate conversations about reproductive health.”

The initiative is part of Enga PHA’s ongoing commitment to promote maternal and adolescent health through education, prevention, and empowerment. The Authority has expressed its intention to expand similar outreach efforts to more schools across the province in the future, with improved planning and resource allocation.

28/04/2025

First Batch of Filipino Nurses Arrive in Wabag to Boost Enga Provincial Hospital Workforce

A major milestone in Enga’s health sector was marked today as the first group of 10 specialized nurses from the Philippines arrived in Wabag to begin work at the newly opened Enga Provincial Hospital.

The team was led into the province by Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and Chief Executive Officer of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, Dr. Vincent Pyakalyia. Their arrival marks the beginning of a large-scale recruitment initiative aimed at improving the quality and reach of healthcare services in the region.

“These nurses come with strong backgrounds in intensive care, emergency medicine, and surgical support. Their presence will strengthen our clinical workforce and support the professional growth of our local staff,” said Dr. Pyakalyia.

This first group is part of a total of 59 health professionals recruited from the Philippines. In addition to the 10 nurses already on the ground, 40 more nurses, 17 senior specialist medical officers, and 2 biomedical engineers are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

Governor Sir Peter Ipatas described the initiative as a “transformational investment” for Enga, saying, “We’re not only building world-class facilities—we’re bringing in world-class people to serve our communities and transfer knowledge to our own professionals.”

The Enga Provincial Hospital, opened earlier this year, is one of Papua New Guinea’s most advanced health facilities, designed to serve both the Enga population and surrounding Highlands provinces. The influx of international staff is expected to boost specialist services, improve patient care, and pave the way for Enga to become a leader in rural healthcare delivery.

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13/04/2025

Palm Sunday Message to All EPHA Staff

As we mark this sacred Palm Sunday, let us pause to reflect not only on the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem, but on the deeper message of courage, humility, and unwavering purpose in the face of adversity.

In the midst of the challenges we face as a healthcare organization—pressures on our resources, external distractions, and forces that seek to divide or derail our mission—we are reminded that our calling is not just professional, but profoundly moral and spiritual. We stand as guardians of life, hope, and dignity for the people we serve.

Palm Sunday is a powerful reminder that even when surrounded by trials, we are called to walk with integrity, to lead with compassion, and to remain faithful to our purpose. Let us not be swayed by negativity or division. Instead, let us be unified in spirit, courageous in action, and anchored in the values that define us as healthcare professionals—and as people.

May this holy season renew our strength, deepen our commitment, and inspire us to move forward together with faith, purpose, and unity.

Blessings to you all, and thank you for your continued service.

Dr. Vincent Pyakalia
Chief Executive Officer
Enga PHA

09/04/2025

Pictorial dump from the opening of the Enga Provincial Hospital.
From the dates 30th - 01st April 2024.

19/03/2025

Hon. Aimos Akem donates three ambulances to Enga PHA and Catholic Health Services

On behalf of the Member of Parliament for Laigaip District and Chairman of the Permanent Parliamentary Committee on Law and Order, Hon. Aimos Akem, three fully equipped ambulance Troopers were donated today to the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and the Catholic Health Services. The official handover ceremony took place at the Sangurap Catholic Church.

The ambulances, valued at over K1 million, were allocated to Laiagam District Hospital, Yango Health Center, and Kepelam Health Centre, which is managed by the Catholic Health Services. The donation included essential medical accessories to enhance emergency response services in the region.

The event was attended by representatives from the Laigaip MP’s office, the Enga Provincial Health Authority, and the Catholic Health Services. Notable attendees included EPHA Board Chairman and Deputy Provincial Administrator Mr. Kenneth Andrew, Director of Public Health Dr. Betty Koka, and the Medical Superintendent of Laiagam District Hospital, Dr. Yau Besawe. The Catholic Health Services delegation was led by Bishop Justin Ain, alongside healthcare workers, Christians, and community members from Kepelam, Yango, and Laiagam.

During the ceremony, speaking on behalf of Hon. Akem, Executive Officer and District Project Coordinator Mr. Londari Lasala explained the significance of choosing a church ground for the presentation. He emphasized that the MP’s decision aimed to prevent misuse of government assets and to ensure that services were delivered through established and legitimate channels.
"The two main reasons are God's way and the system’s way," said Lasala. "Every service delivered should glorify the Lord and our Saviour, so all glory be to Him. Secondly, the system’s way is about using the proper government structures to ensure effective service delivery."

"We do not need to bypass systems and claim to serve the people, as this often results in government assets falling into the wrong hands and wasting taxpayers' money," he elaborated.

In his concluding remarks, EPHA Board Chairman and Deputy Provincial Administrator Mr. Kenneth Andrew praised Hon. Akem for this initiative, calling it a "new and promising approach." He noted that while leaders have delivered services directly to communities before, this presentation, held in a church setting and labeled as "Donated by the People of Laigap," reflected a fresh and responsible leadership style by Hon. Akem.

Mr. Andrew further emphasized the importance of such partnerships in ensuring services reach the people through the right channels. He appealed to all leaders to collaborate not only with Enga PHA but also with other government institutions to ensure that public funds are allocated efficiently and effectively.
Meanwhile, the Ancillary Bishop of the Wabag Diocese, Bishop Justin Ain, commended the initiative taken by the Laigaip MP, calling it a positive and promising trend. He further challenged the community to take responsibility for protecting and maintaining public assets.

"These are essential resources that will serve everyone in the community, especially those who rely on health centers and hospitals. It is crucial to take care of these assets so they can last and continue serving the people," urged Bishop Ain.

The donation marks a significant step in strengthening healthcare services in Enga Province, reinforcing partnerships between the government and religious institutions in delivering essential health services to the people just weeks away from the opening of the new Enga Provincial Hospital.

18/03/2025

National Health Chiefs Certify New Enga Provincial Hospital

A high-level delegation from the National Department of Health (NDOH) arrived in Wabag on Saturday, March 15, 2025, to assess the newly completed Enga Provincial Hospital. After a thorough inspection for 2 days, the team has officially certified the hospital’s operations, confirming that it meets the national healthcare standards.
The visiting delegation of NDOH Chiefs included:

1. Dr. Dora Lenturut-Katal, Acting Deputy Secretary NHS&C Wing
2. Dr. Nora Dai, Acting Executive Manager, Clinical Standards
3. Mr. Ambrose Kwaramb, Acting Executive Manager Compliance Standards Division
4. Dr. Cornelia Kilalang, Chief Paediatrician
5. Dr. Arthur Elizah, Acting Chief of O&G Dr. Arthur Elizah, Acting Chief of O&G
6. Dr. Desmond Aisi, Acting Chief Emergency Physician
7. Mr. Oum Iwa, Acting Technical Advisor, CL&I, PSSB
8. Dr. Jackson Nuli, Acting Deputy Chief Surgeon
9. Dr. Alexander Maha, Acting Chief Physician
10. Dr. Betty Anzu, Acting Chief Radiologist
11. Dr. Seluia Mabone, Acting Chief Pathologist
12. Dr. Merrilyn Mathias, Acting Manager, Blood Transfusion Services
13. Dr. Takovi Maga, Acting Chief Dentist

The certification marks a major milestone for the province, ensuring that the facility is fully compliant with national health regulations and ready to serve the people of Enga. The new hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare services, offering modern medical infrastructure and better patient care.

Speaking on behalf of Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas, the Provincial Administrator and the Deputy Provincial Administrator and the Board Chairman of the Enga Provincial Health Authority (EPHA) Mr. Kenneth Andrew extended their gratitude to the NDOH team for their continuous support and partnership. They acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have brought this vital project to completion.

“This is a demonstration to the blessings upon Enga, despite challenges and negativity. We thank the National Department of Health for their firm commitment to ensuring quality healthcare for our people,” Tsaka emphasised.

With the final inspection now complete and the hospital fully compliant with NDOH standards, the facility is set to officially open its doors on March 31, 2025. The opening of the Enga Provincial Hospital represents a new era of healthcare excellence in the province and the country as a whole, providing accessible and improved medical services to the people of Enga and surrounding communities.

09/03/2025

27/02/2025

https://www.postcourier.com.pg/the-making-of-a-doctor-confronting-ingrained-beliefs-and-violence/

Dr. Raymond Kipakapu’s first encounter with a survivor of Sorcery Accusation Related Violence (SARV) was extremely harrowing.