The newly upgraded Accident and Emergency (A&E) and outpatient area at Vunapope St Mary’s Hospital was officially opened on May 21, 2026, by the Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Jelta Wong.

Addressing the hospital staff and management, the minister acknowledged their resilience and compassion toward patient care despite the numerous issues and challenges they face.

He noted that while the old Catholic mission-run health facility continues to serve an ever-growing population, it has long been overlooked for government funding despite its status as an elevated Level 4 District Hospital.

“A lot of people here today to witness the opening of this important section of the hospital were born here,” Minister Wong said.

“I am so excited that the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) Board Chairman and Managing Director used this initiative in their community-based project to put something here at the hospital.”

“This is the most underfunded hospital in the country, but it has served well for many years, with people seeking treatment from Pomio, Baining, and as far as East Coast Namatanai.”

“So, it is only right we put something back that touches the lives of people.”

The funding assistance from the NFA for the much-needed renovation, equipment necessities, and the newly established oxygen manifold system cost close to K300, 000.

The funding also covered color-coded critical beds (red, yellow, and green) to indicate patient conditions, twenty new vital signs of monitors, and upgraded emergency standards required for A&E teaching practices.

Where the upgrading fell short in building materials and furniture, local business house Tropicana Limited, under the leadership of Dame Sandra Lau, stepped in to ensure the works could be completed.

Meanwhile, St Mary’s Hospital continues to work closely with the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (PHA) to maintain health standards as a Level 4 facility.

Representing the PHA, Acting Chief Executive Officer and Director of Curative Services Dr. Patrick Kiromat stated that the improvements made by the NFA have truly set a new benchmark.

“This type of gesture from NFA to improve the A&E and the manifold system certainly shows standards have been lifted,” Dr. Kiromat said.

“For that, we are very grateful. Another area to take note of for boosting is manpower, which the PHA and St Mary’s Hospital administration are in the process of sorting out to meet the manpower requirements for a Level 4 facility.”

However, Dr. Kiromat also expressed disgust over the ongoing attacks on staff and occurrences of vandalism at the facility.

He issued a firm warning regarding community accountability, stating, “The PHA will not condone such acts.”

“The hospital is here to stay, and I appeal to the nearby community and outsiders to respect this vital service.”