More than 700 pieces of medical supplies have arrived in Tari Hospital as part of a joint initiative between ExxonMobil PNG Limited (EMPNG), the PNG Tribal Foundation, and Project CURE.
The first Lady, Lynda Babao-O'Neill was at the event with other dignitaries to present the container of lifesaving medical supplies and equipment to Tari Hospital.
Tari Hospital administration identified equipment that would most benefit the specific healthcare needs of the hospital which includes general surgery packs, obstetrician supplies, biopsy needles and kits, lab supply kits, microscopes, nebulizers and pumps.
Provincial Health Director of Tari Hospital, Dr. Hewali Hamiya in welcoming the delivery of medical supplies commended the initiative.
He said the long term sustainability through a public partnership approach was important for Tari Hospital development.
"We thank ExxonMobil PNG, the First Lady, PNG Tribal Foundation and Project CURE for this generous donation that will help serve the Hela Community," Dr. Hamiya said.
Andrew Barry, EMPNG managing director, said helping communities to improve public health and lead healthier lives is an important focus area for EMPNG's community investment programs.
"Our partnership with PNG Tribal Foundation and Project CURE will help strengthen the capabilities of the selected health facilities in Papua New Guinea.
"ExxonMobil PNG supports a range of programs that help to build health care capacity at the community level, support research and development, and promote awareness of major health issues in Papua New Guinea," Mr Barry said.
GT. Bustin, PNG Tribal Foundation president, said the PNG Tribal Foundation and its logistics partners – Mapai Transport, Riback Stevedores and Lae Rotary – are honoured to partner with ExxonMobil PNG in this outstanding charitable cause to provide medical supplies and equipment that will boost the morale and increase the capacity of dedicated healthcare providers in a number of hospitals and health centres.
"Our focus at the Foundation is to bring appropriate assistance and development to the people of Papua New Guinea, and this project certainly is in line with those goals."
The delivery of the first container is the culmination of more than a year's work which began in Denver, Colorado, when the First Lady, Ms Lynda Babao-O'Neill, with the support of EMPNG, spoke at Project CURE's First Ladies Luncheon.
Her speech resulted in $1.6 million of medical equipment and supplies being raised for Papua New Guinea.
Tari Hospital is the first of four health facilities in Papua New Guinea to receive a container of medical supplies and equipment.
"We were very impressed by the way the First Lady represented PNG in the United States," Mr Bustin said.
"People in Denver are still talking about her speech and the impact it had on them. It was a proud moment for PNG."