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Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority

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Masonic Lodge Donation Strengthens Rural Health Facilities in Western Highlands

L-R: Mul Baiyer District Health Manager Mr. Francis Pena, WHPHA Acting CEO Ms. Jane Holden, two Masonic Lodge representatives, Deputy Director Curative Health Services Dr. Dat, Dei District Health Manager Mr. Albert Duu, and Stores Manager Ms. Ann Nori proudly pose together during the official handover of vital medical equipment.
L-R: Mul Baiyer District Health Manager Mr. Francis Pena, WHPHA Acting CEO Ms. Jane Holden, two Masonic Lodge representatives, Deputy Director Curative Health Services Dr. Dat, Dei District Health Manager Mr. Albert Duu, and Stores Manager Ms. Ann Nori proudly pose together during the official handover of vital medical equipment.

The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA) has successfully procured vital medical equipment worth K280,000 for rural health facilities across the province, following a generous donation made last year by the Masonic Lodge.

In September 2025, the Masonic Lodge donated K250,000 to support healthcare delivery in the province. The WHPHA added K30,000 of its own funds, bringing the total to K280,000 to purchase essential medical equipment for three rural health facilities in Mul-Baiyer, Tambul-Nebilyer, and Dei districts.

The official handover was held recently, on 13th March 2026, at the Mt Hagen Hospital. 

Acting Chief Executive Officer Jane Holden expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating: “This contribution will greatly alleviate the challenges faced by patients in our rural communities and enhance the quality of care throughout the province. Thousands of people from these district health facilities are going to benefit from this invaluable equipment.”

She emphasized that the new equipment will replace worn-out and old tools, giving health workers proper instruments to use in their daily care for patients.

The donation includes:

  • 50 Blood Pressure Machines
  • 100 Self-Care Digital Thermometers
  • 50 Adult Foot Scales
  • 50 Stethoscopes
  • 25 Foetal Dopplers
  • 50 Fetoscopes
  • 10 Delivery Beds
  • 50 Suturing Trays
  • 17 PV Trays
  • 50 Delivery Tray Sets
  • 15 Portable Steam Sterilizers (Non-Electrical)


Dr. Maddison Dat, Deputy Director for Curative District Health Services, also thanked the Masonic Lodge for the timely donation and stressed the importance of the new steam sterilizers for rural health facilities.

“We deal with blood every day, so our equipment must always be cleaned before reuse. Thus, these steam sterilizers are ideal for rural settings because the instruments can be safely heated inside the sterilizer before being used on another patient. This ensures our patients are treated with clean and safe tools,” he said.

He further added that facilities with higher delivery rates will be given extra foetal dopplers, while the new heavy-duty delivery beds are designed to provide strong support for pregnant mothers during childbirth.

The Western Highlands Province has 50 district health facilities at levels 2 and 3, and while some items are fewer than the total number of facilities, each will receive at least one piece of equipment to ensure equitable distribution.

This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening healthcare delivery and supporting frontline workers, particularly in rural areas. The Western Highlands PHA extends its deepest appreciation to Peter Anderson, who led the donation in the province but was unfortunately in New Zealand at the time of the handover, and further thanked the Masonic Lodge for its commitment to patient well-being.