Pabarabuk Health Centre: Sustaining Care in Western Highlands

PABARABUK, Papua New Guinea — For over five decades, the Pabarabuk Health Centre has provided essential healthcare to rural communities in Western Highlands Province, operating under the Papua New Guinea Bible Church Inc. Established in 1972 by missionary nurse Joanna Wehrman, the centre remains a critical resource for the people of Pabarabuk station, East and West Kambia, Lower Nebilyer, and parts of Southern Highlands.

Wehrman, a dedicated nurse, founded the centre to address the region’s lack of medical services, focusing on basic care and training local aides to assist her. After her departure, other missionaries, including Dr. Slavens, continued her work, introducing minor surgical procedures and expanding the centre’s capabilities. Their efforts laid a foundation that has endured, blending medical care with the church’s spiritual mission.

Today, the Pabarabuk Health Centre is overseen by Mek Pure, the Health Secretary for the PNG Bible Church, who manages it alongside the Kaupena and Mele health centers. The facility operates with a team of 18 staff members—12 clinical professionals and 6 support staff—under the leadership of Officer-in-Charge Mr. Rex Kawa. It provides a range of services, including outpatient and inpatient admissions, minor surgeries, an antenatal clinic, and obstetrics and gynecology care, serving as the primary healthcare provider for many in the region.

Mr. Kawa, working under Pure’s guidance, has emphasized the centre’s challenges in meeting growing demands. With limited resources, the facility struggles to handle complex cases, prompting Kawa to request the return of missionary doctors to support the staff. “Their expertise would help us serve our community better,” he said, highlighting the need for additional medical support.

The Pabarabuk Health Centre continues to play a vital role in Western Highlands, offering both medical and spiritual care to some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote areas. As it faces ongoing challenges, its legacy of service remains a testament to the PNG Bible Church’s commitment to the region.

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