Lutheran Health Services Papua New Guinea

31/03/2026

LHS open new aid-post in remote Dinangat, UKATA

After years of struggling without proper health services, the remote Dinangat community of ELC-Ukata District in Yus Local Level Government of Kabwum District now has renewed hope with the opening of a new aid post on March 20, 2026. Dinangat is one of the remote communities in the Yus area, where access to transport and basic government services remains difficult, making health care a major challenge for local families.

The new facility, opened by Lutheran Health Services (LHS), marks an important step for people in Dinangat and surrounding communities who have long faced hardship in accessing basic medical care. For many families in this part of Yus, reaching services often involves long walks and limited transport options, so the presence of a functioning aid post closer to the people is significant.

LHS National Secretary Mr Japalis Kaiok, Ministerial Training Division Secretary Rev Giesa Panpan, and Yus Local Level Government President Hon. Jonah Epemu officially cut the ribbon to open the new health facility, witnessed by delegates from LHS, the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA), and local people from Ward 4.

The occasion also marked the official handover of the facility, with an exchange of gifts, food, and gratitude between Kabwum District Health Manager Karoi Kamac, representing MoPHA, local people representing their aid post, Rev Panpan representing the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea, and LHS Human Resource Officer Daina Revit representing LHS.

According to the locals, Dinangat aid post was established in 1981 as a government-run health facility, but over the years it operated only on an ad hoc basis due to inconsistent medical supplies and the absence of a health worker. This year, an agreement was reached for MoPHA to hand over the facility to LHS to manage.

A local community health worker (CHW), Tommy Yambat, who has volunteered at Dinangat aid post since 2020, said the facility had been without a health worker for more than 20 years.

Mr Yambat said he came to Dinangat and realized that there was an aid post but no health worker, so being a CHW, he talked with the leaders and served there, assisting people who needed medical help.

He said that after five years of working as a volunteer, he was finally recognized by MoPHA for his effort, commitment, and sacrifice, and was given the CHW position last year.

LHS has now posted another CHW, Wama Pawap, to assist Tommy Yambat at Dinangat aid post.

Mr Yambat said the aid post serves people from Ward 4, Ward 5, and Ward 6, providing outpatient services, delivery, antenatal care, mini-operations, and basic laboratory tests for common medical cases.

He said complicated cases result in death, especially among mothers in labor and patients suffering from tuberculosis, breast cancer, ulcers, and other curable diseases, because reaching the nearest health facilities in Erap and Wantoat takes three days’ walk. This underlines the reality of life in remote Yus, where distance, terrain, and the lack of reliable transport can turn treatable conditions into life-threatening situations.

“I am very happy to have CHW Pawap with me so we can work together to save lives in our remote villages and with LHS taking this facility, I look forward to get the support needed in terms of consistent medical supplies and other facility needs,” Mr Yambat added.

Morobe LHS Regional Health Manager Joel Ronapo thanked the government for providing this vital service to the people of Dinangat, saying LHS is ready to support the facility under the new transfer arrangement.

Mr Ronapo said the process to bring the facility under LHS was accepted through the church governance system, from the circuit level to the National Church Council, and they were happy that it was achieved.

He said the new facility received funding support from LHS for completion and urged the local community to look after the health facility and the health workers posted there.

“We are all happy and satisfied today to witness the opening and we expect you, Dinangat community to look after these health workers and aidpost,” Mr Ronapo added.

The new aid post is made of bush materials and includes an outpatient room, stock room, and injection room, which will complement the old aid post that is still in use.

Kabwum District Health Manager Karoi Kamac thanked LHS for taking Dinangat aid post under its management, saying churches and government work together for one purpose, and that is to deliver health services to the people.

Mr Kamac said LHS has a good reputation for posting health workers who do not just leave when facing challenges while serving, but know their purpose and calling, and therefore remain committed to serve.

He reaffirmed his support for LHS facilities in Kabwum, stating that his office is willing to work with health workers and support their programs in their catchment areas.

Lutheran Health Secretary Japalis Kaiok thanked LHS Morobe for the initiative and effort to prepare the facility for use, adding that LHS will support it in the ways it can and that the community must look after this service.

-end-

Source: https://elcpng.org.pg/lhs-open-new-aid-post-in-remote-dinangat-ukata/

Lutheran Health Services Papua New Guinea

28/02/2026

LUTHERAN HEALTH SERVICES AT THE 2026 ELC-PNG SYNOD
📍 Bunzil, Siassi – Morobe Province
January 18th - 23rd 2026.

Lutheran Health Services (LHS) was honored to serve at the 2026 ELC-PNG Synod with one of the largest and most organized medical teams ever assembled for a Synod gathering, marking a significant step forward compared to previous years.

🔹 Key Highlights
✅ Stronger and Bigger LHS Medical Team
This year saw a strengthened deployment of LHS health professionals, demonstrating our growing capacity and commitment to serving the Church during major gatherings.

✅ Regional Representation
Health professionals came together from across the LHS network:
LHS Highlands Region, led by Mr. Jerry
LHS Madang Region, led by Mr. Humphrey
LHS Morobe Region, led by Mr. Ronapo
Mr. Ronapo also served as the LHS representative on the National Synod Committee, ensuring coordination between health services and Synod leadership.

✅ LHS Medical Officers on Duty
We were privileged to have two of our own Medical Officers providing direct clinical oversight and support:
Dr. Stacey – Tent City (Bumayoung) Upcoming Rural Hospital
Dr. Umba – Braun Memorial Hospital
Their presence strengthened clinical response and ensured safe medical coverage throughout the Synod.

✅ National Leadership Support
The LHS National Director, Mr. Japalis Kaiok, was present to support and encourage the LHS medical team throughout the Synod period — reinforcing unity, structure and coordinated service delivery.

✅ Partnership with Morobe Provincial Health Authority
LHS extends sincere appreciation to the Morobe Provincial Health Authority for supporting additional medical personnel during the Synod. This collaboration reflects the spirit of partnership in serving both Church and community.

Each member of the team experienced the Synod in their own unique way — spiritually, professionally and personally. The medical services provided during this important Church gathering once again demonstrated that the health ministry remains central to the mission of ELC-PNG.

LHS now looks forward with anticipation to the next ELC-PNG Synod in 2028, to be hosted in Madang — where we aim to further strengthen our coordination, preparedness and service delivery.

'A life of vocation in health services, training and empowerment under the cross of Christ '

28/02/2026

LUTHERAN HEALTH SERVICES – HEALTH MANAGERS LEADERSHIP & FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT WORKSHOP
📍 23rd – 26th February
🤝 Funded by Church Partnership Program (CPP)

From 23rd to 26th February, Lutheran Health Services (LHS) National Administration successfully conducted a Health Managers Leadership and Financial Management Workshop, bringing together Regional Managers, Hospital Managers, Hospital Administrators, Level 2 & 3 Health Facility Managers, Accountants, Accounts Clerks and Administrators from across our network.

🎯 Aim of the Workshop:
To equip health managers with the knowledge, skills and right attitude required in today’s modern health service management environment — particularly in leadership, governance, financial systems, and human resource management.

LHS National Director, Mr. Japalis Kaiok, emphasized:
“With the increasing demands and community expectations of health service delivery, the buck stops with strong leadership. Strong governance practices and sound management systems — including financial and human resource management — are essential to enable effective service delivery.
Lutheran Health Services is reviewing, amending and resetting its entire practices to meet the expectations of the Church in its vision of health ministry and the wider community.”

The workshop was officially opened by Ps. Kinim, the LHS Deputy Board Chairman and Director for ELC PNG Overseas Church partnership program who delivered a powerful message on leadership and management grounded in Biblical principles.

The ELC-PNG General Secretary, Mr. Kaisom, provided a thought-provoking illustration using a rugby game:
“Without rules, referees, field lines and boundaries, a game would be chaotic. Likewise, LHS must have strong policies, clear rules, capable leadership and managers with strong leadership qualities. Together, we can reset and lead LHS into the future.”

Mr. Kaisom also officially acknowledged the presence of Mr. Tapia, CEO of Christian Health Services Inc. PNG, who co-facilitated the workshop alongside Mr. Kaiok.

Ms. Wamao, who coordinated between LHS and CPP, expressed satisfaction in the successful delivery and achievement of the workshop outcomes.

The workshop was officially closed by Ps. Panpang, Head of the Ministerial Division, after five days of intensive learning, reflection and strategic discussion.

Regional Managers Mr. Lowatigi, Mr. Ronapo and Mr. Jerry conveyed their heartfelt gratitude to CPP, LHS National Administration and ELC-PNG for investing in strengthening leadership and financial management within Lutheran Health Services.

This workshop marks a significant step in LHS’ commitment to resetting, strengthening and repositioning our health ministry for effective, accountable and Christ-centered service delivery.

Report by:
Ismael Doroware
HIS & ICT Office
LHS National Administration

31/12/2025

To each and everyone of you, wishing you all blessings.

31/12/2025

Lutheran Health Services wishing everyone a Happy New Year 2026

23/12/2025

Sharing with you all, God's blessings.

23/12/2025

TO ALL LHS STAFF AND FAMILIES..
TO ALL FOLLOWERS ON OUR LHS PAGE.

Sending you this season's blessings..

17/11/2025

LHS Dedicates And Installs New board Members

By Joan Bailey

The National Lutheran Health Services (LHS) now has a new board in place to guide the governance affairs of its health facilities and health training institutions.

A total of seven board members were dedicated, installed, and inducted into their roles and responsibilities on October 23, 2025, at the National Headquarters of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) in Lae.

They were formally installed and recognized as members of the Lutheran Health Services National Board by ELCPNG Evangelism Department Secretary, Reverend Hans Giegere. The installation was witnessed by Church Executives including the Head Bishop, Assistant Bishop, and National Church Secretary, along with pastors, academics, LHS staff, and ELCPNG staff. Also present were principals and deans of studies from church educational institutions, and the women coordinators from the 17 ELCPNG districts, who were in Lae for their meeting this week and joined the event.

Rev. Giegere shared a Bible text from Matthew 18:20: “For where two or three gather in my name, I am there among them.” He said this Scripture reminds the church that Jesus’ promise to His disciples continues to guide leadership and fellowship today.

He emphasized that having a board is crucial when it comes to decision-making on issues faced by officers serving in the three LHS regions of MaSe (Madang/Sepik), Morobe and Highlands.

“The board will have authority to make decisions collectively, not from one person alone, to guide all decisions of LHS. It is very challenging being a board member, but I thank those who have accepted this call to serve on the board. Members come from different career professions, bringing valuable experience, skill, and knowledge,” Rev. Giegere said.

Lutheran Health Secretary Japalis Kaiok said the establishment of this board now allows the LHS National Office to perform its functions fully as an administrative office, while the board oversees governance matters such as implementing policies, procedures, and the laws of the church, as well as complying with Christian Health Services and the National Department of Health.

Mr. Kaiok explained that when the boards were previously abolished [by Synod in 2010], and during his term, ELCPNG General Secretary Bernard Kaisom had to step in as the high-level governance link between LHS, the Church Executive, Church Council, and Social Sector Board, especially for issues that required major decisions.

He thanked the National Church Council for its decision to revive the boards, saying this makes it easier for issues to be discussed by board members and decisions implemented at the appropriate levels.

“Our board members have now been inducted and have already held their first meeting, so we have a defined structure to work with,” Mr. Kaiok added.

ELCPNG Head Bishop Reverend Dr. Jack Urame said he was pleased that LHS was the first department to implement the council’s decision. He noted that since the abolishment of boards across departments, the church had faced many challenges in addressing emerging issues.

Rev. Urame said the council’s wisdom in reinstating the boards demonstrates the church’s commitment to strengthening governance at all levels.

The board members are:
• Pr. Kinim Siloi – ELCPNG, Director Inter-Church & Ecumenism
• Pr. William Sugoho – Ministerial Institution, Principal Senior Flierl Seminary
• Sr. Bing Tamu – Nursing Officer, Morobe Provincial Health Authority
• Sr. Elizabeth – Retired Nursing Officer & Former Deputy Principal, Madang Lutheran School of Nursing
• Ales Saul – Lutheran Health Service, MaSe Region
• John Kunjil – Lutheran Health Services Highlands & Principal, Kitip Secondary School
• Kalvin Soki – Lutheran Health Services Highlands & Chairman, Asaroka Lutheran Secondary School

Ex-officio members:
LHS Secretary Japalis Kaiok and ELCPNG General Secretary Bernard Kaisom.

The first business at the first board meeting proper was the appointment of the office bearers:
• Chairperson Elect: Sr. Elizabeth Natera
• Deputy Chairperson: Ps. Kinim Siloi
• Board Secretary: Sr. Bing Tamu

**

Source: https://elcpng.org.pg/lhs-dedicates-and-installs-new-board-members/

**

Photo caption:

The new LHS board members, seated from left to right after Mr. Titus Denano (ELCPNG Treasurer) seated far left: Ps. Kinim Siloi; Mr. Kalvin Soki; Mr. John Kunzil; Ps. William Sugoho; Mr. Ales Saul; Sr. Elizabeth Natera; Sr. Bing Temu.

Standing behind (left to right): Rev. Hans Giegere (Evangelism Head); Mr. Timmy Ahi (HR Director); Rev. Panpan (Ministerial Training Secretary); Dr. Komolong (LUPNG Vice Chancellor); Rev. Lukas Kedabing (Assistant Bishop); Rt. Rev. Dr. Jack Urame (Head Bishop); Mr. Bernard Kaisom (Church Secretary); Mr. Japalis Kaiok (LHS Secretary); Mr. Daniel Suan (Lutheran Education Secretary); Mr. Bonnie Keoka (LDS Secretary).

Lutheran Health Services Papua New Guinea

15/11/2025

The University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) Chancellor, Sir Robert Igara, has reaffirmed UPNG’s commitment to ensuring a seamless transition of the existing School of Medicine and Health Sciences into the new University of Medicine and Health Sciences (UMHS).

12/11/2025

LHS National Office Relocates to Ampo

On October 23, 2025, the Lutheran Health Services (LHS) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Papua New Guinea (ELCPNG) officially relocated its national administration office from Lae’s Top Town to Ampo, the church’s national headquarters.

The old building, previously used by Ampo Builders, was renovated and dedicated by ELCPNG Assistant Bishop Rev. Lucas Kedabing, witnessed by church executives, LHS officers, and national office staff.

Rev. Kedabing and ELCPNG Church Secretary Mr. Bernard Kaisom officially unveiled the plaque of the national administration building and opened its doors for the LHS national staff to move in.

The new office accommodates nine staff members, and the relocation comes at a timely moment, as the Health Building at 2nd Street, Top Town, will now have enough space to accommodate the Morobe Regional LHS staff.

Lutheran Health Secretary Mr. Japalis Kaiok said that with the recruitment of additional staff under the Christian Health Services structure, both the national and Morobe regional offices have seen new staff joining their teams.

Mr. Kaiok added that the building they previously shared with the Morobe region had space constraints, and the move to Ampo has helped ease this issue. He thanked Mr. Kaisom and the Asset Management Unit for their understanding and approval for LHS to occupy the newly renovated building.

ELCPNG Head Bishop, Rev. Dr. Jack Urame, said the relocation of the LHS national office back to Ampo reflects the broader vision of the church leadership. He explained that since Ampo is the main headquarters, it makes sense for all major church departments to be based there, where they can work more closely and support one another.

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Note: The LHS Morobe and LHS Mase offices will continue to operate from their current locations at Top Town. Only the LHS National Administration office has been relocated to Ampo, while regional operations remain unchanged to ensure ongoing service delivery and support within Lae.

Photo: Rev. Kedabing (left) and Mr. Kaisom (right) unveiling the signboard at the newly renovated LHS National Admin office at Ampo.

10/11/2025

02/11/2025

📜 Senior Flierl Seminary – 2026 Acceptance List🎓

Congratulations to all who have been selected for the 2026 enrolment at Senior Flierl Seminary! 🙌

Your journey in faith and service begins here. May God continue to guide and strengthen you as you prepare for this next chapter in ministry.

✝️