The Kiunga District Hospital in North Fly, Western Province has honored and celebrated the work of its long serving staff members.
Recognizing their commitment and service, Kiunga District Hospital under Western Provincial Health Authority held a farewell ceremony at New Century Hotel in Kiunga last recently farewelling 19 retirees.
The retired health workers had served over 40 to 50 years government service in the health sector within Western Province.
Western Provincial Health Authority during the farewell ceremony appreciated all retirees for their efforts and dedication in health service delivery to the people of Western Province.
Speaking on behalf of Western PHA, acting human resource manager Noah Tolasa said serving in rural areas has not been easy due to geographical challenges in the province.
He said despite these challenges, health workers have been faithful in serving the patients seeking medical treatment at various rural health centers.
“Each of you had made a difference in health service. Your contribution and commitment had maintained the health facilities. Thank you all.” he said.
Those retirees were nursing officers, community health workers, health extension officers, hospital dispenser, medical laboratory technician, administrative support staff and other essential healthcare workers.
Most of the retirees begun their careers in early 1970’s and 1980’s who had delivered healthcare services to the people in rural areas.
Director of public health from Western PHA, Cletus Bon thanked all retirees noting health workers have been instrumental when people in rural areas needed healthcare services.
Representing all the retirees, Health Extension Officer, Mr Mark Gena, was among the retired health workers and has served at Kiunga District
Hospital for over 40 years thanked the people of western province and all health partners for continued health services.
“Our partners in province, you have contributed a lot in healthcare services when we needed help. We the retirees have a heart for you to ensure people can at least live well in the community. We were committed in clinical services, therefore when we retire, the upcoming health workers would continue the service,” he said.
North Fly District health manager Rody Ukin appreciated all for their service and dedication in serving the people.
He reminded the upcoming health workers and continuing staff members to work with compassion to serve the patients.
Mr Ukin also encourage the young generation and students from North Fly District and Western Province to follow the steps of their parents urging some to choose health work career so that there is continuity of health care services in the coming years.
He mentioned that there is a need in rural areas within North Fly District especially at Ningerum LLG, Olsobip LLG, and Kiunga Rural LLG where people in rural areas are always in need of better healthcare services.
“Despite the geographical challenges and limited health facilities in those rural areas, our health workers have done a great job in serving patients. We will continue the healthcare services working with development partners to maintain clinical services.”
