A new clinic, named the Br Max Bouten SVD Memorial Town Clinic, has officially opened in Wirui, Wewak in late August 2024.
This clinic is part of the East Sepik Province’s expanding health system, which includes the Specialist Hospital at Boram, and other facilities being reopened across the province.
Governor Allan Bird expressed his satisfaction at the clinic’s opening, noting, “I was particularly pleased to open this clinic today because it is one of two in the country. This new clinic is intended to serve the people of Wewak Town and relieve the pressure on the main Sir Michael Somare Specialist Hospital at Boram.”
The project initially started years ago when the late Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare broke ground at Wirui, but it was delayed due to a lack of funding.
Under the East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (PHA), a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed between the East Sepik Provincial Government (ESPG), PHA, and the Catholic Diocese of Wewak.
The clinic was built at a total cost of K4.6 million, with contributions from ESPG (K500,000 from PSIP), K2.1 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) under an Australian-funded program, and K2 million from the Catholic Church.
Construction took two years to complete.
The clinic will offer most services of a general hospital, with a doctor available for day services starting September 2nd.
Governor Bird mentioned plans to expand the clinic into a 24-hour facility and eventually convert it into the Wewak District Hospital.
He said a second town clinic is planned for Kreer Heights.
Governor Bird also highlighted that the East Sepik PHA has secured K50 million from the World Bank to build 10 similar facilities around the province, including locations like Marienberg, Timbunke, and Walis Island.
He thanked all partners involved, including Health Minister Dr Lino Tom, stating, “To our people of Wewak, service blo yupla. Lukautim gud building na ol wokman na wokmeri lo clinic.”