The Member for Abau (MP) Sir Puka Temu has welcomed the news of a new hospital for Mt Hagen, Western Highlands Province (WHP), but reminded Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom of the outstanding government commitment to build Central Province’s hospital. Sir Puka stated that Dr. Lino’s announcement to build a new hospital for WHP is timely and much needed since it serves the entire Highlands region and is the second busiest hospital in terms of activity. However, Sir Puka urged Dr. Lino to update the country on Central province’s promised hospital, which has been outstanding since 2021 when Prime Minister James Marape officiated the groundbreaking ceremony. "Central Province and its people rely solely on Port Moresby and Gerehu General Hospitals for referrals and treatment.” “PMGH cannot cope with the load, and it needs Central, Gulf and Gerehu hospitals to be functioning to allow it to focus on its level 7 role.” “Now that Wabag has been delivered, I believe it’s time to serve the people of Central and their need for their own hospital.” Sir Puka further added that all provinces have fully fledged provincial hospitals except Gulf, Central and NCD. “I appreciate the work Dr. Lino is doing to deliver greater health services for our country, but I urge him to provide political will required to enact this much needed project for Central.”