A Solomon Islander has created history by opening a medical centre in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Thursday, 10 October 2024.
Waneagu Medical Centre, owned by Solomon Islands-born Dr. Elvis Biofa Japleth was officially unveiled by His Excellency William Soaki, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea and the Minister for Education and Human Resource Development Tozen Leokana who was on an official visit to Port Moresby.
The opening of Waneagu Medical Centre marks a significant milestone as the first privately owned medical facility established by a Solomon Islander in PNG.
This opening highlights the growing contributions of Solomon Islands nationals to vital sectors in Papua New Guinea, particularly in healthcare.
Located on the 1st Floor of Plaza Wan, Gordons Shopping Mall, the centre began operations on 7 October 2024, offering a comprehensive range of essential medical services, including specialist consultations, general outpatient services, laboratory testing, ultrasound scans, surgical procedures, and both national and international referrals.
Specialist consultations at the Waneagu Medical Centre cover various fields, including pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, radiology, ENT, general surgery, and orthopedics.
The centre also offers access to a neurosurgeon via online consultations, ensuring patients receive thorough care.
During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, High Commissioner Soaki congratulated Dr. Japleth and his wife, Anna, on their remarkable achievement.
“This is a significant accomplishment not only for Dr. Japleth and his family but also for Solomon Islands. The Waneagu Medical Centre will undoubtedly play a critical role in providing high-quality healthcare services to the people of Papua New Guinea and beyond,” he remarked.
The official opening of the Waneagu Medical Centre signifies a new chapter in the bilateral development between Solomon Islands and PNG, especially in the health sector.
Dr. Japleth from Kwaio was a former high school student of Kukudu and King George Sixth School.
For the past three years he has been offering scholarships for one top performing form three student each at Kukudu Adventist College.
—MFAET PRESS RELEASE
