The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) officially held its 2026 operational year yesterday 21 January 2026, with a Public Service Dedication Service held at the Chapel.
The ceremony brought together healthcare workers, departmental heads and support staff, who were encouraged by directors and representatives from across the organization. The event was guided by this year’s theme “Reset, Recommit, Dedicate for a New Beginning in the Public Service.”
The service opened with a Bible reading and reflection led by the PHA Chaplain Reverend Ekka, setting a tone of gratitude and commitment.
Director of Nursing Services, Janet Yamu, highlighted the Authority’s achievements and acknowledged the teamwork that has made WHPHA the top-performing PHA in the country for two consecutive years (2023 and 2024). She urged staff to reflect on their contributions and to be thankful for the opportunity to serve, noting that many qualified individuals remain unemployed.
WHPHA’s acting CEO Jane Holden, in her keynote address, encouraged staff to work in harmony and avoid grudges, reminding them of their responsibility to serve patients with integrity, honesty, and commitment. She praised the workforce for their dedication, noting that WHPHA’s performance in 2023 and 2024 surpassed national standards. “There is something quite unique and amazing about this organization,” she said. “Rather than focusing on its lows, it strives to keep doing better, and I do not think other PHAs in this country have this spirit of commitment.”
“The purpose of the service is to recommit to our Oath in 2026 and this is important as a reminder of what we have committed to. The Oath includes:
- Loyalty and Duty – to service the country and Executive Government faithfully
- Obedience – to obey all laws, regulations and lawful instructions
- Integrity – To avoid corruption, fraud, theft and to act with honesty, transparency and openness in all dealings.
- Public Interest – To prioritize the public interest over personal gain
- Impartiality – to keep political views separate from duties and treat everyone fairly.
- Confidentiality – to keep government information confidential (in our context this includes patient information)
- Accountability – to provide a full day’s work and safeguard public funds.
Ms Holden reminded staff that obedience to these principles would ensure WHPHA remains disciplined and high-performing. “If we all fully commit to this Oath, we will continue delivering our core business of providing healthcare services to the community and remain in the top spot,” she said.
She emphasized that WHPHA’s success is not the result of one person or one team, but of collective teamwork across the organization.
The program ended with a renewed sense of purpose, as staff pledged to continue delivering quality healthcare to the people of Western Highlands in 2026.