MAY 8, 2025 - LEODY ECHAVEZ
In 1967, the Church of the Nazarene opened a small clinic in the Waghi Valley in Papua New Guinea. Missionary nurses worked tirelessly to care for the sick and injured. Over time, this small clinic grew into Nazarene General Hospital, a 130-bed facility that serves the entire region. In 2016, it became a Provincial Referral Hospital—a significant achievement in its journey to provide better health care.

The hospital also established a nursing school to train local health care professionals, ensuring quality care for future generations. Nazarene General Hospital is driven by a clear mission: to provide quality medical care to everyone, regardless of their background, and to show God's love through health care. The hospital is guided by the values of compassion, excellence, integrity, respect, and stewardship. These principles ensure that every patient receives not just medical treatment but also kindness and respect.
The hospital offers a wide range of services to meet the diverse needs of the community, from outpatient and inpatient care to specialized treatments like surgery, maternity care, dental care, and HIV/AIDS treatment. Nazarene General Hospital is equipped to handle many health issues. It also focuses on rural health care, offering family planning, nutritional support, immunizations, and tuberculosis treatment to address the unique challenges faced by these remote communities.

Many people in the Waghi Valley live in isolated areas. To reach them, Nazarene General Hospital has opened seven rural clinics, bringing essential health care services closer to those who need them most. The hospital also trains community health workers and partners with local villages to establish primary health care centers. This way, even the most remote communities can access quality care. The true impact of Nazarene General Hospital is seen in the lives it has touched. Infant mortality rates have dropped, and many illnesses are treated effectively.
Nazarene General Hospital's mission is supported by partnerships with local and international organizations. These collaborations bring valuable resources like expertise, funding, and equipment, allowing the hospital to expand its services and reach more people in need. Working together, these partners amplify the hospital’s ability to provide comprehensive care.

The Waghi Valley’s rugged terrain and limited infrastructure pose significant challenges. However, Nazarene General Hospital meets these obstacles with creativity and determination. Mobile medical clinics and rotational doctor visits to rural areas are just a couple of the innovative solutions that ensure health care is accessible to everyone, no matter how remote.
Nazarene General Hospital believes that true health care goes beyond treatment to include education and community involvement. Health education programs raise awareness about preventive care and hygiene practices. By working with local leaders and training community health workers, the hospital promotes better health practices within villages, empowering communities to take charge of their health.
Looking to the future, Nazarene General Hospital plans to expand its training programs and welcome new local physicians. These physicians will be trained in emergency medicine and anesthesia, enhancing the hospital’s capabilities. They will also carry forward the hospital's mission, combining medical expertise with the compassionate care inspired by the Great Physician.
Nazarene General Hospital stands as a beacon of hope, compassion, and resilience in the Waghi Valley. From its humble beginnings to its current role as a vital health care provider, its journey is a testimony to the power of service, faith, and community. As it continues to grow and touch more lives, the hospital remains committed to healing, serving, and inspiring. Each day, it proves that through compassion and dedication, we can change the world—one patient at a time.