Papa Community’s Health Centre sees 40 to 60 patients per day covering communities from as far as Baruni, Tatana and even beyond Lealea to Kido, Manumanu and Gorohu villages.

It’s need for a sustainable power source was recently met through BSP’s annual Community project initiative. The Waigani Banking Centre team, led by Branch Manager Samuel Okti recently donated a solar powered kit, now enabling the medical team to deliver crucial health services during power outages.

Mr Okti along with project coordinator Gabe Gaoma and his team also donated chairs for the clinic’s use on Friday 20^th December 2024, reaffirming BSP’s commitment to the communities through such annual projects.

Papa Health Centre Officer-in-Charge, Zarrah Kihi thanked BSP for meeting the clinic’s need. “We operate during the day but are also on standby at night. Most times, there is power outage. This solar kit will help us attend to emergency cases at night, including pregnancy related emergencies. We are also grateful for the new chairs donated by the bank. Thank you for enabling us to end 2024 with a positive change at Papa Health Centre,” she added.

Salvation Army Health Director to PNG & Solomon Islands Health Services Dr. Marco Herrera said Papa is the busiest location from its 28 clinics across the country. He thanked BSP for also giving the facility a fresh look of lime green paint.

Damena Rei in representing the Papa Village Community said this donation by BSP is a significant step in the village quest for sustainable development and improved health service at the Papa Salvation Army health centre. “Access to reliable electricity is not just a luxury; it is a necessity for providing quality health care. The sustainable energy source will power medical equipment like Nebulizer and Oxygen and keep medicines at right temperatures and allow for extended hours of caring and ultimately save lives. The impact of your support extends beyond the walls of the health centre. It symbolises hope and resilience for our entire community,” he added.