Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom has handed K15 million to the Gulf Provincial Health Authority (GPHA) for major improvements in health facilities, especially Kerema General Hospital.
Accompanied by Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko and new GPHA Chairman Augustine Mano, Tom visited Kerema Town to present the funds.
In a straightforward ceremony, both Minister Tom and Mano recognized the urgent need for change. “It is now up to the new Board to get to work and offer solutions,” said Minister Tom, emphasizing that there is no time for celebration, only action.
Kerema MP and Minister for Energy and Petroleum, Thomas Opa, expressed gratitude for the funds, highlighting recent concerns about the hospital.
“We all have seen the pain and suffering of our people, and we must accept the criticism and start working together to improve health care service,” Opa said.
He urged people to support the new GPHA board and remain positive.
“As local MP for Kerema, I urge all my people to remain positive and let’s work together to fix our hospital.”
Minister Opa also pledged district support for the board’s efforts in reconstructing health infrastructure, including Kerema General Hospital.
He called on local residents to work with Chairman Mano and his team to address health issues.
Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta and Minister Opa also committed to backing the new board.
“Gulf Governor Sir Christopher Haiveta and myself as local MP also accompanied the Minister and Chairman and his team and pledged to support the work of the new Board in the rebuilding and reconstruction phase of health infrastructure in Gulf Province including Kerema General Hospital.”
The first meeting of the GPHA’s new board is expected soon, as they begin their work on improving health services in the province.
“Chairman Mano has made no promises as he gets to work with his new board which is expected to have their first meeting in a week or two time,” said Minister Opa.