History

Enga Baptist Health Services was formed in 1997 as another health arm of the Baptist Union of PNG. Our work is focussed in the Kompiam-Ambum district of Enga Province, and also in the adjacent areas of East Sepik Province.

In Papua New Guinea nearly 50% of the nation’s health services are provided by Non–Government organizations, and this figure is increasing, particularly in rural areas. In our case, after discussions with Provincial Government authorities, BUPNG was asked to help in providing health care in Enga Province.

Initially given the task of administering services at Kompiam Rural Hospital, Lapalama Health Centre and Yengisa Health Centre, over the years other health centres have been added to our brief as the government has requested.

As of 2012, Enga Baptist Health Services is comprised of the following:

Enga Baptist Health Services is an interesting case study in the setting up of a new health service in a remote location, with an nearly entirely indigenous workforce. The lessons learned here have since been passed on to other organizations working in P.N.G.

The commitment to training has seen interest in Kompiam steadily increase and it is now a highly sought after rotation for undergraduate students. It has also played a key role in the development of P.N.G.’s first training program for rural doctors – the Masters of Medicine (Rural).

image description