In the heart of Papua New Guinea’s Ramu Valley, the sun rose over the Bismarck Range in Enekuai village in Bundi, Madang Province and as the day unfolded, anticipation filled the air on Friday 11 April, 2025.
The people of Enekuai, known for their close-knit community and rich cultural heritage, were preparing for a celebration that would mark a significant turning point for their health and well-being.
In a display of unity and joy, the villagers gathered in their traditional attires, the colors of their culture added value and colour against the backdrop of the green mountains of Kurumbukari.
As the ceremony progressed, the atmosphere was electric with energy and laughter. Villagers showcased traditional dances, weaving stories of their ancestors into each step.
Women and children giggled and danced along with their local brass band, their laughter echoing through the village as they prepared to welcome the new arrival,a fully equipped ambulance, funded through a collaboration between the Mineral Resource Authority (MRA) and Mineral Resources Development Corporation (MRDC).
The name John Tigavu was composed in songs to express their joy for Mr Tigavu for administering the facilitation of the ambulance.
This was more than a vehicle; it was a lifeline, a symbol of hope for the Enekuai people.
As the siren of the ambulance pierced the stillness of the morning, it heralded a new chapter in the community’s healthcare journey.
The sound was received not as a warning, but as a call to celebration.
Men and women and children rushed to the village aidpost vicinity, their faces beaming with joy as they received their guests who went to present the ambulance and officially open the Aid post.
The Aid post, fully funded by Ramu NiCo, stood gleaming with colourful decorations.
The arrival of guests received a rousing welcome from the Enekuai people.
Kurumbukari Women Association Chairlady Seta Tigavu said many men, women and children have died from curable illnesses and some women gave birth to their babies while traveling to urban hospitals and health centres.
Mrs Tigavu thanked Ramu NiCo for the Aid Post and also expressed gratitude towards MRA and MRDC for the ambulance.
She requested the Madang Provincial Health Authority to provide a female health officer to be posted to Enekuai Aid post so that women and girls could feel free to discuss their private medical issues as women to women.
Madang Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Office Dr Sammy Thomas Kambuka assured the people of Enekuai that the ambulance would be serviced and maintained by the MPHA.
Dr Kambuka said Enekuai is a level 1 Aid post but should be equipped to provide level 3 services given the distance from the urban centre.
“We must take it (level 3 services) down to the people,” he said.
Dr Kambuka said women from Enekuai must deliver their babies in the new aidpost.
The Aid post, also funded by Ramu NiCo, was officially opened during the occasion, further solidifying the commitment to improving health services in the area.
Enekuai aid post and the ambulance would not only provide medical services to the people of Enekuai but also serve people from Banu and other neighbouring communities.
Ramu NiCo Community Affairs Manager Erick Kuman urged the community to look after the ambulance and Aid Post because the company will provide more services as long as the mine axists.
Mr Kuman also presented medical drugs through the Ramu NiCo MoA and Community Development Fund arrangements respectively.
