The opening of the new airstrip at Pyarulam in 2011 created the first real possibility of health services in this very remote area. Pyarulam lies over the mountains to the northeast of Lapalama, at least a day’s walk from there, and a further day to day-and-a-half walk to Yengisa. Previously, patients had to be carried by relatives to either Lapalama or Yengisa to have any chance of receiving health care.
Pyarulam is an Enga Baptist Health Services (EBHS) facility, with one Community Health Worker (CHW) currently stationed there. In 2016, EBHS completed a new aid post and staff house, with all building materials airlifted in by helicopter. The facility is constructed from steel and designed to last many years. It is equipped with radio communication, solar lighting, and a 12-volt vaccine fridge.
In 2024, EBHS installed a 240-volt solar power system capable of running the vaccine fridge and oxygen concentrators, significantly improving service capacity. However, in June 2026 the solar system became faulty and requires technical repair. The facility remains operational, but power limitations affect service delivery until maintenance can be completed.
Pyarulam is accessible by MAF aircraft, and on occasion medical students walk to the facility from Lapalama as part of their rural training experience. Despite its remoteness, Pyarulam remains an important health access point for surrounding communities, with ongoing needs in solar maintenance, staffing support, and reliable communication.
