Program Overview
The Strategic Health Infrastructure (SHI) Program is an Australian Government program funded under the Papua New Guinea Australia (PNGAus) Partnership. The program aims to design and deliver high-quality, resilient, and universally accessible health infrastructure projects with a significant focus on gender equality, disability and social inclusion, and adhere to Australia’s safeguarding policies and development effectiveness guidelines. In addition, the program’s infrastructure will incorporate sustainability and resiliency design elements to mitigate climate change forecasts and disaster risk outlooks.
The lack of appropriate health facilities and safe, secure and accessible housing for health staff are significant challenges for PNG, particularly in regional and remote areas where 85 per cent of the population live. The current conditions and locations of healthcare infrastructure can compromise patient safety, reduce the quality of services and discourage health professionals from taking up essential roles. It is essential that health facilities are redeveloped and upgraded to ensure communities can access quality health services delivered by qualified health practitioners.
The SHI Program is working to improve health care services in two priority locations. In Lae, Morobe Province, the project will design and refurbish the GWARE building at ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital. In Daru, Western Province, the project will provide safe, secure and accessible accommodation for health workers and Provincial Health Authority staff with new Daru Hospital staff housing.