Patients in the Western Highlands can now access CT scans and other vital imaging services right here at home.
This milestone was made possible through a generous donation of over K5 million from Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), which funded the purchase of modern equipment for the hospital’s new Radiology Unit, consisting of a 128-slice CT Scan, Digital Radiography X-ray, Mammogram, and Ultra scan services.
The suite was officially opened last Friday, 27 March 2026, by the Western Highlands Governor, Hon. Wai Rapa, and the Hospital Board Chairman, Mr. Sam Koim, OBE.
The new Radiology Unit will bring faster, more reliable diagnoses and improved care for the community.
WHPHA’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Jane Holden said this represents a major step forward for patient care.
“These amazing advanced machines DO NOT treat or cure but help to diagnose, allowing our clinicians to make informed decisions,” she explained.
She added that the opening was not only a milestone for the hospital but also a celebration of its 60th anniversary.
She reflected on the hospital’s long history of service and its role as a leader in innovation, pointing to the launch of PNG’s first cervical cancer elimination program in 2022. Since then, over 33,000 women have been screened and treated, while 25,400 girls aged 9–14 have been vaccinated against HPV, making Western Highlands the only province in PNG and the Pacific to achieve this milestone.
Holden also highlighted the PHA’s recognition as the nation’s top-performing Provincial Health Authority for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, and expressed confidence it would retain the group again in 2025.
She praised Hagen Central District for ranking as the top-performing district among 92 districts in the country, describing all the achievements as the result of teamwork and WHPHA’s culture of commitment to service.
Holden further expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Eagle Foundation for their generous support in raising over K400, 000 to procure three (x3) brand-new dental chairs and beds. She also acknowledged the Western Highlands Provincial Government for their invaluable contribution of three brand new vehicles: a 25-seater bus and a 10-seater Land Cruiser for the hospital’s nursing staff, along with a 10-seater ambulance for Mitiku Health Centre in Dei District.
The opening of the Radiology Diagnostic Suite marked a proud new chapter in healthcare delivery for the Highlands, reinforcing the hospital’s proud legacy of service and its role as a leader in innovation and service to the nation.
