Health Minister Michael Malabag

The opening was scheduled for today but in an eleventh hour decision, was postponed to happen after the 2017 National Election.

Malabag in a media statement this morning said, "the formal opening off the Popondetta General Hospital Operating Theatre has been deferred until after the upcoming National Elections.

"This is a vital healthcare facility for the people of Oro and the nation, and must not be politicised.

"It is unfortunate that uninvited politicians attempted to hijack the event and create a security problem.

Member for Lae, Loujaya Kouza, says he is now living at another hotel while doing locum rounds at the cancer facility at Angau Memorial Hospital.

Kouza brought this to the attention of Parliament today seeking the health minister’s response on Dr Niblett’s payments.

The payments, she said, are from an order made by the court to the department to pay the doctor.

Minister Michael Malabag said Dr Niblett’s contract with the department expired in February 2016. However, it was extended for another three months to May of that same year.

Minister for Health & HIV/AIDS, Michael Malabag, said this during the opening of the new PIH Fitness Centre today.

“It is yet another milestone by PIH in their quest for advanced healthcare for PNG. Your body is the most priceless possession you have and you must take care of it.”

Malabag stated that the fitness centre will add yet another dimension to the patient rehabilitation and wellbeing at PIH.

Hailing from the village of Poreporena, Olive Tau was crowned as 2016 Miss Hiri Hanenamo Queen followed by her Runner- up Boni Bitu from Porebada village.

In third place and taking the Miss Hetura for 2016 was Maha Asi from Tubuserea village.

Minister for Health and HIV/Aids, Michael Malabag presented their sashes whilst traditional singsing groups sang to signify the crowning taking place.

The spectators cheered ending the day on a high note.

The project consists of a brick framed double classroom structure with an office space in between the two classrooms.

The classroom was co-funded by Minister for Health, HIV/AIDS and Member for Moresby North West Michael Malabag.

This co-funding aims to support schools, teachers and students in the Moresby North West electorate in terms of building classrooms, teacher’s houses and other infrastructure.

Head Teacher for June Valley Primary School thanked Malabag for the great initiative.

Health Minister Michael Malabag intends to reallocate these funds to ensure better performance and service delivery. 

Malabag applauded the Government’s commitment to “right sizing’’ and pay roll “cleansing’’.

He said in a statement that the reduction in salary costs had been a welcomed move to ensure greater efficiencies and freeing up of much needed funds in future years.

These funds would have been otherwise wasted on “ghost’’ employees or unattached officers.