Prime Minister James Marape has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening provincial health systems, announcing that all future district-level health funding in Hela Province will be channelled directly through the Hela Provincial Health Authority (PHA).
Speaking at a Hela PHA fundraising dinner on Sunday evening, Marape highlighted the improvements in health delivery achieved with K40 million allocated over the past three years. “What you are seeing today is the work done with just K40 million,” he said. “If Hela—often labelled the ‘least of the least’—can deliver this much in remote communities, provinces with easier access must deliver even more.”
Since 2019, the Pangu-led government has disbursed more than K840 million to Provincial Health Authorities nationwide, supporting hospitals, rural health posts, and essential medical services.
Marape emphasised targeted district support through the Tari-Pori District Development Authority, which has contributed K100,000 each to six local health facilities. He said all future health investments would now be coordinated under Hela PHA leadership, with a goal of establishing basic health facilities in all 82 villages.
The Prime Minister also announced plans for four new urban clinics in partnership with churches to ease pressure on Tari Hospital and the forthcoming provincial hospital, naming Halengoali (ECP), Habare (SDA), Kupari (Catholic), and Hoeibia (United) as key partners. “These clinics must pick up the everyday load so that the new provincial hospital becomes a true referral centre,” he said.
Marape stressed that provincial health authorities already have the governance, professional leadership, and accountability structures necessary to deliver consistent services. “Health must be delivered by qualified managers and clinicians. The PHA is your structure—support it,” he said.
He cited progress across Hela, including peaceful local-level elections, expanding health facilities, stabilising administrative systems, and growing community participation in governance and service delivery. “The birth of prosperity is now sprouting. Hela is only 12 years old as a province, but the signs are promising,” Marape said.
Linking Hela’s progress to the national Reset PNG@50 agenda, the Prime Minister said the next 50 years must be built on discipline, accountability, and hard work. “This nation needs more men and women who work hard, not those who complain for money, but those who turn whatever we send into services for our people,” he said.