Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has addressed concerns raised by Wabag MP and former Health Minister Hon. Dr Lino Tom regarding the development of the proposed new National Capital District (NCD) Hospital. Responding to a supplementary question raised in Parliament, Prime Minister Marape emphasised his commitment to ensuring that the proposed hospital meets all required standards and due processes before proceeding.
Dr Tom had questioned the Prime Minister about compliance issues surrounding the proposed NCD hospital project, specifically whether the project meets health standards established by the Department of Health. He also expressed concerns about the financial aspects of the project and the possibility of a loan arrangement with a Chinese company.
In his response, Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the concerns raised by Dr Tom and reiterated his appreciation for Dr Tom’s previous contributions as Health Minister. The Prime Minister stated that the NCD hospital project is still undergoing the necessary due diligence processes, emphasising that the government remains committed to adhering to proper standards and procedures.
“There is no loan directly approved by Treasury as yet. The project is being processed through due diligence to ensure compliance with financial affordability, health standards, ethics, procurement, and all other requirements,” Prime Minister Marape stated.
He further clarified that the government’s approach to financing the project is based on a hybrid model, which may include concessional loans, government funding through the Public Investment Programme (PIP), grants, or public-private partnerships. The Prime Minister emphasised that the health and safety of the people of NCD and the surrounding areas are of utmost importance.
Prime Minister Marape highlighted that Port Moresby, with over a million residents and serving as a central hub for the Central and Gulf Provinces, urgently requires an additional modern hospital to cater to its growing population. He mentioned that the government has already made substantial progress in enhancing healthcare infrastructure, including interventions at the Port Moresby General Hospital, which is now transforming into the nation’s premier medical facility.
“The government’s commitment to providing top-quality healthcare is evident. The Port Moresby General Hospital is shaping up as our country’s best hospital. Cancer treatment facilities are being developed, and we aim to cease overseas patient referrals by 2025. The goal is to build facilities on par with or exceeding Australian standards,” Prime Minister Marape said.
He further stressed that the proposed NCD hospital is designed to meet international standards and cater to the broader region’s healthcare needs, including the Central and Gulf provinces, which together have a population of over 700,000.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged the importance of greenfield projects, using the Enga Provincial Hospital as a successful model for developing new, modern healthcare facilities from scratch. He emphasised that the proposed NCD hospital would follow similar principles to ensure that the highest standards are maintained throughout the process.
Prime Minister Marape assured the public that the government is diligently working to ensure compliance and transparency in all stages of the hospital project, including financial arrangements and adherence to health standards.
He emphasised that the government’s broader vision includes ensuring that essential healthcare services are accessible within a reasonable distance for all citizens. The strategy includes improving district and provincial hospitals to better serve local populations while enhancing national specialist facilities.
“Whether through loans, grants, government funding, or partnerships, our focus remains on education and health. We are working towards bringing development at a faster pace to meet the needs of our people,” Prime Minister Marape concluded.