In a significant development for healthcare delivery in the South Fly District of Western Province, Daru Hospital will soon benefit from uninterrupted access to solar power, courtesy of the PNG Sustainable Development Program (PNGSDP) solar farm in Daru.
The initiative aims to address the chronic issue of power outages and frequent interruptions that have plagued Daru Island, profoundly impacting the continuity of health services at Daru Hospital. With the implementation of solar power, hospital facilities will now have a reliable source of electricity, ensuring seamless operations even during periods of grid instability. Bosavi Health Centre, nestled in the Southern Highlands of Papua New Guinea, has been grappling with a severe shortage of basic medical drugs since June of last year, leading to tragic consequences such as deaths from snakebites and preventable diseases.
Fred Hamule, the community health worker at Bosavi Health Centre, shed light on the dire situation, attributing the lack of supplies to transport issues that have persisted for the past 11 months. Hamule typically procures supplies from the area medical store in Mt Hagen, but logistical challenges have impeded the delivery of vital medications to the health centre. Last week, the Mega Health Clinic in Togoba, Western Highlands, witnessed an overwhelming response as a total of 10,435 individuals sought medical treatment over a span of four days. Benson Safi, the clinic chairman, reported that a wide range of healthcare services were provided, including cataract surgery, optometry, heart disease treatment, dental care, general medical check-ups, massage therapy, chiropractic services, and a women's wellness clinic. Notably, all treatments and equipment were offered free of charge. Safi highlighted the significant demand for dental services, with check-ups, extractions, and fillings being conducted alongside the distribution of over 4,000 pairs of glasses for individuals with vision problems. PNG PM Marape Pledges Employment Assurance for Medical Graduates Amidst Healthcare Expansion Drive4/22/2024
Addressing a cohort of 356 graduates from the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Medicine and Health Science Faculty, Prime Minister James Marape reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to facilitating employment opportunities for burgeoning healthcare professionals. He emphasized the pressing need for a bolstered healthcare workforce across the nation. Marape assured the graduates of the government's readiness to absorb them into the healthcare system, citing the increasing demand for nurses and doctors. He stressed that each graduate from the School of Medicine and Health Science could expect employment prospects, underscoring the significance of their training.. In a significant collaborative effort, eleven medical doctors from the United States (US) Army have integrated with local medical professionals at Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea (PNG), providing essential medical services since last Monday. Their mission is set to continue until Thursday, April 18.
US Ambassador Ann Marie Yatishock, during her visit to the hospital on Thursday, commended the ongoing partnership facilitated by the Defence Cooperation Agreement (DCA) signed last year. She highlighted that this deployment marks the second batch of US medical personnel to join forces with their Papua New Guinean counterparts. The initial group, comprising ten members, arrived in December 2023 for a ten-day stint. Yatishock reported that during their tenure, the team conducted approximately a hundred medical interventions, including seventeen surgeries. Papua New Guinea's Oral Health Crisis Escalates, Urgent Action Needed, Says PMGH Dental Officer3/24/2024
In a stark warning, Dr. Kalen Karapen, dental officer at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), has raised concerns over the "alarming" surge in oral diseases across Papua New Guinea, attributing the trend to unhealthy dietary choices.
Speaking at the World Oral Health Day commemoration last week, Dr. Karapen urged the public to take heed and reduce their consumption of highly processed foods and sugary drinks, which are known contributors to oral health issues. Dr. Karapen revealed troubling statistics from 2023, indicating a significant rise in oral cancer cases, ranging from 120 to 130 at PMGH's dental clinic services alone. She emphasized that these figures only represent a portion of the total cases, as other clinics also handle oral cancer cases, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Papua New Guinea Government Urged to Prioritize Rural Health Services Amidst Dire Conditions3/24/2024
In a plea for urgent attention, health worker Titus Yabua from Dotomona in Western Papua New Guinea has called upon the government to address the dire state of rural aid posts and hospitals suffering from severe shortages in medical services.
Yabua emphasized the critical need for improved infrastructure, citing the lack of proper roads that force reliance on costly helicopter services for patient evacuations to hospitals. He lamented that many patients succumb to their conditions before receiving necessary assistance due to these challenges. In a significant move towards women's health, a newly established cervical cancer screening clinic, Stellamaris, has been inaugurated in Kavieng town, New Ireland Province. The clinic, officially opened on March 1, aims to encourage women in the region to undergo screenings and tests for early detection and prevention of cervical cancer. The opening ceremony, attended by key figures including New Ireland Provincial Hospital CEO Dr. Stennard Hiashiri, Obstetrician-Gynecologist Dr. Paula Zzferio, Acting Provincial Administrator Richard Andia, and Provincial Executive Council (PEC) Chairlady for Health Misbil Nelson, emphasized the importance of proactive health measures. Umba, Menyamya District - A groundbreaking moment unfolded in Umba, Morobe, as the doors of the newly established Community Health Post (CHP) swung open, signaling the inauguration of the 10th healthcare facility supported by Australia in the Morobe region. The latest addition, achieved under the ambit of the Health Services Sector Development Program (HSSDP), is set to serve the healthcare needs of over 10,000 residents in the remote and challenging landscape of Umba. A substantial investment totaling PGK5.1 million has been injected into the Umba CHP, strategically designed to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by the local community. Notably, pregnant mothers stand to gain the most, as the facility aims to eliminate the hardships of long journeys and bumpy rides previously required to access essential health services. The Umba CHP is now fully equipped to offer an array of maternal and child health services, including antenatal care, supervised birth deliveries, well-baby clinics, and treatment for minor wounds and illnesses. In a momentous stride toward enhancing healthcare services, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) in PNG celebrated the official commissioning of its Kidney Dialysis Centre on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. This significant achievement is a testament to PMGH's unwavering commitment to specialized healthcare. The realization of the Kidney Dialysis Centre was made possible through the generous funding of K10 million by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) in 2022. Speaking on behalf of the NFA, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Jelta Wong, commended the government's proactive stance in advancing healthcare. |
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