News and Public Notices

ABG Minister for Health, Hon. De Lourdes Semoso says the ABG, through its Ministry and Department of Health, continues to make progress through ongoing transfer of functions and targeted infrastructure interventions to improve health services in the region.

Speaking in parliament this week, Minister Semoso provided an update on the transition of health functions, confirming that following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) in July 2025, formal consultations have been conducted between the ABG Department of Health and the National Department of Health (NDOH).

The Minister said the transfer of functions for Buka General Hospital will be undertaken with full funding and resources to ensure there is no disruption to existing healthcare services.

She further confirmed that the National Health Minister has formally declared Buka Hospital as a Public Hospital under the Public Hospital Act 1994, in line with the provisions of the MOA.

“This declaration will be followed by the establishment of the Buka Hospital Governing Board for the governance and administrative oversight of the Buka hospital. The ABG will nominate the membership of the Board and this will be elevated to the National Health Minister who will do a NEC submission for the appointment of the Board,” she explained.

The Minister added that the formal gazettal of Buka Hospital as a public hospital will take place following the appointment of the Board by the National Executive Council (NEC), expected in June 2026.

On infrastructure development, Minister Semoso said construction of the Level 4 Buin Hospital is progressing well and has now entered Phase 2. She emphasized that all health facility upgrades are being carried out in compliance with National Health Service Standards to ensure safe and quality healthcare for the people of Bougainville.

The Minister also highlighted ongoing work on human resource planning, noting that her department is working closely with the ABG Department of Personnel Management to develop the manpower structure for the Buin Hospital ahead of its completion.

Construction of the Soroken Level 3 Health Facility is nearing completion, with clinical commissioning scheduled for May 2026.

“In May 2026, the clinical commissioning will take place in preparation for the facility to be registered and opened in June this year,” she said.

The new facility includes more than 20 service buildings including an operating theatre, a laboratory facility, an ambulance bay, a mortuary facility and 20 staff houses.

Minister Semoso also reported on her recent regional visit to South Bougainville, where she conducted a firsthand assessment of health facilities, staffing, medical supplies, and community needs. She described the visit as an eye-opener, identifying critical challenges including limited access to health services, insufficient medical supplies, unreliable power supply, and difficult working conditions for health workers.

The Minister highlighted her visit to Tabago in the Upper Konnou Constituency as a significant milestone in restoring services to underserved communities.

“My visit was welcomed by the key leaders in the area and called for the immediate reopening of the Tabago health center.”

She confirmed that basic medical supplies have been delivered and health workers deployed to the facility.

“The scoping and costing of the facility has been done for a major rehabilitation and the facelift of the facility to provide access to basic medical and restoration of the primary health services to the catchment population in the area. This is part of my health ministry’s contribution towards the peacebuilding effort within the Konnou Constituency.”

Minister Semoso also acknowledged Bougainville National Members and ABG Constituency Members who continue to provide support to the health sector.

“From these contributions, I can be rest assured that, health is the concern of every leader. I am looking forward to working with you all to invest in the health of our people.”

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