Communities in the Middle Fly District particularly from Kuem, Mipan, Manda, Bosset, Aiambak, and Wangawanga who traditionally accessed basic health care from Bosset Health Sub-Centre (Previously), are set to celebrate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence anniversary in style with newly upgraded infrastructure and enhanced services.
The original Aid Post/Health sub-center was built in bush material in the 1960s alongside the establishment of the mission station, church, and primary school in Bosset Village by early Catholic missionaries. At that time, it was the only health facility serving communities from Kuem to Aiambak.
Over the past 40 years, the facility remained largely unchanged with only minor maintenance, until the current provincial government administration began recognizing the critical needs of outstation health facilities.
Governor Taboi Awi Yotto shared the province’s basic health needs with former Australian High Commissioner Bruce Davis and this brought Australian Aid funding to upgrade Bosset Health Centre in Middle Fly and Mabudawan Health Centre in South Fly District.
Commissioner Davis knew how important it was to invest in rural healthcare, particularly in Western Province where maternal and child mortality and TB are significant challenges. For Australia, this is a crucial priority in its partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea.
Bosset Health Centre is awaiting its official opening and has been soft launched operating under the Catholic Health Services of the Diocese of Daru-Kiunga. The center is currently providing much needed services to the communities.
Several new facilities were built with the grant, including Inpatient and Outpatient Wards, Procedure and Clinical Treatment Rooms, Maternity, Tuberculosis(TB) and HIV/AIDS wards, a Dental Clinic, Radiology facilities, Staff Houses, an Incinerator, and a Workshop.
Providing quality health services in this geographically remote area remains challenging due to limited access to clean running water, lack of sterile equipment, and other vital resources essential for effective service delivery.
The PGK 9.87 million upgrade of Bosset Sub Health Centre, funded through the PNG-Australia Partnership through the Incentive Fund, to elevate the center to a Level 3 standard.
Operated by Catholic Health Services of Daru-Kiunga Diocese, this upgrade will improve healthcare for approximately 14,000 people living in the catchment area.
Residents reflect on the challenges faced by past health staff who dedicated their lives to serving this area despite difficulties such as lack of medicine, equipment, transportation challenges when referring patients for further treatment, and even schooling interruptions for staff children. The community extends heartfelt thanks to those who served under such hardships.
The community also expresses its gratitude to Governor Yoto for his leadership and dedication in providing essential services to the rural communities in need.
After 50 years, these communities are witnessing real development under the leadership of Governor Yotto and his administration, who have brought progress after decades of neglect. Over the past eight years of Governor Yotto’s tenure, Western Province’s four districts have seen improvements in roads, health, education, and other vital sectors.
The people welcome these new services as a gift achieved in the lead-up to the 50th Independence anniversary and look forward to further progress in the coming years.
