Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority bids farewell to 45 dedicated public servants
In a heartfelt ceremony recently, the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) celebrated and honoured 45 retirees who have dedicated 1448 years, an incredible average of 32 years each, to serving communities in the province.
A small but significant ceremony was held at the Hospital Chapel, witnessed by the WHPHA senior executive management team, health care workers, retirees and their families.
The event was marked by mixed emotions, as the retirees shared their experiences and reflected on their careers, which were deeply rooted in resilience and compassion, and commitment to saving lives. Among those retirees were nurses, security personnel, hygiene staff, drivers, and other essential healthcare workers, many of whom served iremote rural areas where access to medical care was limited.
For many, their journey began in the late 1960s and 1970s, answering a calling that led them into the healthcare profession. They reminisced about their days working in rural areas, where conditions were tough, but their spirit remained unshaken.
Among them was veteran ENT specialist Henry Timini, who had devoted 53 years to the noble profession. His journey began in Last Wiru, Pangia, Southern Highlands Province, with no clear path after finishing Grade 6. A missionary led him to nursing college in Kudjip, Jiwaka Province, sparking a lifelong devotion to patient care.
Timini reminded the younger generation of health workers about the importance of compassion, saying, “When a sick patient comes to us, they see hope and healing. We must greet them with kindness and make them feel comfortable so they can tell us what is wrong.”
WHPHA’s acting Chief Executive Officer Jane Holden praised the retirees for their extraordinary dedication, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure challenges demanded unwavering perseverance.
She described them as invaluable organizational heroes, whose dedications, skills, and compassions have saved countless lives of those who turn to them for care WHPHA Board member Agnes Mek, shared a deeply emotional tribute, shedding tears as she acknowledged their sacrifices, vowing that their legacy would be carried forward by their families and future generations.
The farewell ceremony concluded with a certificate presentation and refreshments, as families and colleagues gathered to celebrate and honour the 45 retirees who had made an indelible impact on countless lives.
