The people in Torba Province are celebrating a new era in healthcare as the Quatvaes Enhanced Health Centre was declared as Torba’s Provincial Hospital with a newly installed solar energy system.

The declaration made by Minister John Still Tariquetu during his recent visit to the northernmost province, Torba.

Minister Tariquetu confirmed that with the addition of X-ray services and other medical equipment, Quatvaes Health Centre now qualifies as a provincial hospital.

“X-ray and medical equipment now make Quatvaes officially meet the standard of a Provincial Hospital,” the Minister said.

For many years, the health facility struggled with electricity shortages, often relying on a small generator that ran out of fuel. Nurse Rayspond Joel shared that staff sometimes used solar lamps or phone torches to treat patients at night.

“Sometimes when the generator stopped, we had no light except from phones or torches. It was very difficult, especially when helping sick people at night,” Joel explained.

That struggle has now ended with the launch of an additional 15,000W solar power system to an existing 5W solar powered system.

The newly consists of 12 solar panels and six 200-amp batteries, ensuring a stable and sustainable energy supply for the hospital.

The upgrades include new laboratory equipment for blood testing, modern X-ray and scanning machines for heart and other conditions, and portable devices that allow healthcare workers to conduct community outreach across Banks and Torres islands.  

These significant improvements were made possible through funding from the Australian Government under the REnew Pacific Program.

Australian High Commissioner Max Willis praised the initiative, saying it demonstrates the impact of renewable energy in improving lives.

“Using solar power to strengthen X-ray and medical services in remote areas shows how clean energy can change lives,” he said.

“This means pregnant women can deliver in a much safer way, patients can be treated with proper medical care with 24-hour reliable energy access, vaccines can be stored properly, health care and communication services can be delivered during emergencies and during disasters.

With its new solar power system and upgraded facilities, the Quatvaes Provincial Hospital is now equipped to deliver reliable, quality healthcare services to over 11,000 people across Torba Province — powered entirely by clean, sustainable energy.