Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has paid glowing tribute to Professor Sir Isi Kevau, Kt, CBE, describing him as one of Papua New Guinea’s greatest medical pioneers whose lifetime of dedicated service has transformed healthcare, medical education and the lives of countless Papua New Guineans.
Speaking after attending Professor Sir Isi Kevau’s official farewell from public service in Port Moresby, Prime Minister Marape said Sir Isi’s remarkable career stands as a shining example of patriotism, humility, integrity and faithful service as Papua New Guinea marks its 50th year of Independence.
“Last night, I had the honour of attending the official farewell of a giant of our nation. Professor Sir Isi Kevau is a towering example of what it truly means to dedicate one’s entire life to serving Papua New Guinea,” Prime Minister Marape said.
“Born in the Motu Koita village of Pari, Professor Sir Isi broke barriers when he became the first indigenous Papua New Guinean to graduate with the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree from the University of Papua New Guinea in 1973. He was among the pioneer class of medical graduates who laid the foundation for our nation’s medical profession.
“Professor Sir Isi could easily have pursued a distinguished career overseas, including in Australia, but he chose instead to remain in Papua New Guinea and dedicate his life to serving his own people. That decision changed the course of healthcare in our country.”
The Prime Minister said Sir Isi devoted almost five decades to clinical medicine and medical education, giving 48 years of distinguished service to Port Moresby General Hospital and 45 years of dedicated service to the University of Papua New Guinea School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
“For nearly five decades, he has faithfully served at Port Moresby General Hospital as one of Papua New Guinea’s leading physicians and cardiologists, while simultaneously teaching and mentoring generations of doctors at the University of Papua New Guinea.
“As Papua New Guinea’s first indigenous Professor of Medicine, he has trained hundreds of doctors who continue to serve our people across the country. Every community in Papua New Guinea has benefited from his commitment to developing our nation’s medical workforce.”
Prime Minister Marape also recognised Sir Isi’s pivotal role in advancing cardiac care in Papua New Guinea, including his leadership in establishing and developing the Sir Buri Kidu Heart Institute.
“His contribution extends far beyond treating patients. He helped build modern cardiac services in Papua New Guinea and has been a mentor, researcher, teacher and leader whose influence will continue for generations.”
The Prime Minister said Sir Isi’s greatest quality was not only his professional excellence but his unwavering commitment to duty.
“He never sought higher office or lobbied for prestigious appointments. Whether it was becoming Health Secretary, Chief Executive Officer of a hospital or Vice-Chancellor of a university, he remained faithful to the work God and country had entrusted to him.
“I am told that throughout his distinguished career he faithfully reported for duty at 7.30 every morning and worked until late according to the demands of his profession. That level of discipline, integrity, humility and commitment is the hallmark of a truly great public servant.”
Prime Minister Marape said Sir Isi’s life carried a powerful message for all Papua New Guinean public servants.
“As we celebrate 50 years of Independence, Professor Sir Isi Kevau reminds us that nation-building is achieved not through titles or positions, but through faithful service performed consistently over a lifetime.
“If every Papua New Guinean public servant served with the same integrity, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by Professor Sir Isi Kevau, our country would be transformed. We do not need to look overseas for examples of excellence—we have one in our midst.”
Prime Minister Marape paid tribute to Sir Isi’s late wife, whose steadfast support enabled his remarkable career, as well as his children, extended family and the Motu Koita people of Pari Village.
“I especially acknowledge his late wife for her unwavering support throughout his years of service. I also congratulate his family and the Motu Koita people of Pari, who can take immense pride in one of Papua New Guinea’s finest sons.”
The farewell ceremony was attended by Health Minister Hon. Dr Billy Joseph, Health Secretary Pascoe Kase, Port Moresby General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Paki Molumi, senior doctors, academics, medical professionals, former students, colleagues and friends who had worked alongside Professor Sir Isi over many decades.
Prime Minister Marape reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening medical education through the establishment of a standalone National Medical University, saying the initiative reflected the vision and aspirations of pioneers such as Professor Sir Isi Kevau.
“The aspirations of great men like Professor Sir Isi Kevau continue to inspire our Government. Establishing a standalone National Medical University will help produce more doctors, specialists and medical researchers to serve our growing population and build on the foundations laid by pioneers such as Sir Isi.”
The Prime Minister said Sir Isi’s retirement from full-time public service would not mark the end of his contribution to the nation.
“Although he retires from active public service, the State will continue to draw upon his immense knowledge and experience through advisory and mentoring roles. Papua New Guinea still needs his wisdom.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Papua New Guinea, I sincerely thank Professor Sir Isi Kevau for more than five decades of extraordinary service. His legacy will live on in every doctor he trained, every patient he cared for, every life he saved and every young Papua New Guinean he inspired.
“He has earned a permanent place among the builders of our nation.”