Alexander & Lloyd Group

A&L were appointed to undertake a Master Plan Study of Daru General Hospital (DGH) and a Scoping Study for Mabudawan Health Centre (MHC) in the Western Province (WP). Many health facilities in WP are under staffed and in need of repair or rebuilding. With limited availability of clinical equipment and inadequate recurrent funding, many facilities are operating at a lower level than that which was approved. The National Health Plan 2011-2020 (PNG NHP) has stated that there is a need to improve all facets of the PNG health System. The Government of Australia through DFAT has committed to assist the Government of PNG to improve general health services in the region. This includes the rehabilitation of DGH and the MHC.

For DGH, it is proposed that sustainable strategies, recommendations and documentation be developed for the staged upgrade of DGH to enable it to meet its mandated requirement to provide Level V public, primary and secondary health services to the people of Western Province and the South Fly District in particular.

For MHC, it is proposed that sustainable strategies, recommendations and documentation be developed for the staged upgrade of the MHC to meet its mandated requirement to provide level III primary health services to the people of Western Province and the South Fly District in particular the objectives of the WP Draft Health Strategic Plan 2012.

In March, 2013, A&L led an in-country design mission: coordinating meetings with all relevant stakeholders; inspecting, measuring and documenting existing facilities; evaluating the logistical, operational and climate change characteristics of both existing and proposed sites for both Daru General Hospital and Mabudawan Health Centre.

The Consultancy comprised two separate phases.

• The Phase A Master Plan Report for DGH, incorporating strategies and recommendations for the staged upgrade of the hospital site and medical services and a Scoping Study Report for the redevelopment of the MHC were submitted in August 2013.

AusAID’s independent review found the DGH Master Plan to be a ‘high quality document’, well supported by thorough analysis, good knowledge and careful consideration of all relevant issues’.

• Phase B was delayed until late 2014 to allow the development of a more appropriate study terms of reference. The Phase B Scoping Report focusing on the urgent works and essential infrastructure necessary to make the DGH ‘safe and operable’ and to sustainably upgrade its health services to level V capacity was submitted and endorsed by stakeholders at a Value Management Workshop in April 2015.