Prime Minister James Marape on Monday officially opened the new Enga Provincial Hospital in Wabag town, describing it as a “greenfield, world-class facility” and one of the most significant health infrastructure investments in Papua New Guinea’s history. He stated that the hospital stands as a symbol of what strong leadership, consistency, and collaboration across all levels of government and development partners can achieve. “At a cost of over K600 million, this is not only a milestone for Enga, but a model for our entire country.” Addressing dignitaries, local leaders, development partners, public servants, and citizens who gathered in large numbers despite the rain, the Prime Minister praised the tireless efforts of Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and acknowledged the pivotal roles played by past and present national governments, the Chinese Government, the Australian Government, the Department of Health, and other stakeholders. “Enga is privileged to have a governor who has worked tirelessly over many years to realize this vision. From concept to completion, this hospital reflects years of planning, hard work, and unwavering commitment.” The hospital, which meets Level five (5) standards, is fully equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and has the capacity to be upgraded to Level six (6) or Level seven (7) in the future. It will not only serve the people of Enga but also act as a major referral center for over 3.5 to 4 million people across the Highlands and parts of the Sepik regions. “This is more than just a building, it is a fully equipped modern medical facility capable of treating complex illnesses, training medical professionals, and becoming a center of excellence; particularly for lifestyle-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes.” He thanked China for its support in constructing the hospital, and Australia for providing AUS$7 million towards equipment and fit-out. He also acknowledged previous governments, including the National Alliance (NA) and People's National Congress (PNC) administrations for their roles in initiating and supporting the project. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister instructed the Health Department to move swiftly on the rollout of other provincial hospitals. “We have sixteen more provincial hospitals to cover including Bougainville. This facility is now ready, just one day away from being operational and is a testament to our ability to work together over time for the good of our people.” He further urged the Enga Provincial Health Authority to ensure the hospital functions as a regional hub, linking rural health posts and sub-health centers to the main hospital, and making full use of resources from national funding and tax credit schemes tied to major resource projects like Porgera. “The national government has invested over K5.6 billion into districts, including those held by the opposition in the last six years.” “That funding must now translate into working health centers, working aid posts, and referral pathways that lead to this hospital.” He concluded with a call to action for all public servants, health workers, and stakeholders to ensure that the hospital delivers real outcomes for ordinary citizens. “This is not just about money; it is about making systems work, about public servants rising up, and about giving our people the healthcare they deserve. Let this hospital be a lighthouse of health for Enga and the entire Highlands region.”