People living with Disabilities (PWDs) in Morobe Province, are now playing a direct role in shaping the future of healthcare infrastructure at Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital in Lae.
This aimed to ensure that facilities are safer, more accessible, and more inclusive for everyone.
Representatives from the Morobe Disability Association recently took part in consultations on the proposed refurbishment of the hospital’s former emergency department known as the Gware Building.
The consultations included guided inspections of the existing facility and temporary clinical locations, allowing participants to identify practical accessibility and safety improvements that will be incorporated into the final building design.
Women in Disability advocate Idah Dail, described the consultations as a significant step toward meaningful inclusion of people with disabilities in health infrastructure planning.
“For me, as a woman living with disability, this consultation is very important.”
“This is the first time we have been included in a meaningful way to share our ideas and concerns about how hospital facilities can be more accessible, especially for people using wheelchairs or with artificial limbs.”
Meanwhile, President of the Morobe Disability Association Mr. Benedict Hippom, welcomed the opportunity for disability leaders to contribute directly to the design process.
“I am happy our recommendations for the outpatient building design at Angau Hospital will now include more disability-friendly features for a fair, dignified and accessible health service for all.”
The consultations reflect the shared commitment between Australia and Papua New Guinea to inclusive development by ensuring people with disabilities are treated as equal stakeholders in decisions affecting access to essential health services.
Australia continues to work closely with disability organizations, health authorities and local communities to ensure infrastructure investments promote fairness, dignity and equal access to healthcare for all Papua New Guineans.
