The Eagle Foundation has once again demonstrated its strong support to the Mt Hagen Provincial Specialist Hospital’s Dental Clinic by donating five brand-new portable digital x-ray machines on Friday, 17 July 2026.
The presentation was made by Foundation Chairman Mr Garret Leahy and Vice Chairperson Ms Sarah Duckworth. Receiving the equipment on behalf of the hospital were Hospital Manager Sr Sarah Dot and Dental Specialist Dr Thomas Tatua.
Dr Tatua described the donation as “a turning point” for oral health services in the Highlands.
“With advanced portable equipment now in place, the clinic is going the extra mile to serve the daily influx of patients, enabling more accurate diagnoses and more effective treatment,” he said.
Each of the five surgery rooms will be equipped with a digital X-ray machine connected to a laptop, enabling clinicians to capture clear images within minutes. The sensor is placed inside the patient’s mouth while the handheld device is positioned externally, instantly producing digital images of fractures or cavities.
Dr Tatua noted that the technology will also enable mobile outreach into rural communities.
“Rather than waiting for patients to come to us, we can now go to them. Each examination will take just two to three minutes, with results available immediately,” he explained.
The donation complements the state-of-the-art dental chairs previously gifted by the Eagle Foundation, ensuring both treatment and diagnostic capacity are aligned.
“Some dental clinics are equipped with wall-mounted X-ray machines, but ours has not had that benefit; thus, this timely donation now bridges a critical gap in our diagnostic services,” Dr Tatua added.
Sr Dot echoed the gratitude, saying the arrival of the portable digital X-ray equipment would ease the clinic’s daily burdens and greatly improve efficiency. She explained that with each surgery room now equipped, clinicians no longer need to share machines, allowing faster diagnoses and smoother patient flow.
WHPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Jonah Kurubi thanked Mr Garret Leahy and the Eagle Foundation team for their consistent support in meeting urgent hospital needs. He said their generosity has eased critical equipment shortages and strengthened the hospital’s ability to deliver quality care across the Highlands region, adding: “Your commitment demonstrates the power of partnership in healthcare, improving patients’ lives and uplifting staff morale.”
With modern dental chairs and portable X-ray machines now in place, the Mt Hagen Dental Clinic is better equipped than ever to meet rising patient demand. Oral surgeries cases have already exceeded 500 this year, reflecting the clinic’s growing capacity and enhanced service delivery.
These upgrades mark a turning point for oral health in the Western Highlands, ensuring patients receive timely, quality care and showing the importance of continued investment in medical infrastructure.
The WHPHA management and staff extend sincere appreciation to the Eagle Foundation, its Patron Hon. Governor Wai Rapa, and the many local and overseas business houses, corporate partners, families, and friends whose collective contributions continue to strengthen services and uplift patient care across the Highlands.
