PNG needs More infrastructure for health

OVERCROWDING in PNG's Port Moresby’s hospitals can be addressed by building more infrastructure and improving health care services, an official says.
Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters, Elias Kapavore, and his three members walked into a congested Gerehu Hospital yesterday and witnessed first-hand the lack of facilities.
“We will write to the Health Department, giving a specific instruction that Gerehu Hospital must undergo a facility accreditation survey under the national healthcare service standards by the end of this month,” he said.
“The report (can be tabled in) Parliament next month.
“The survey should start from the National Capital District (NCD)Health Authority board and management, the hospital management and hospital wards to see if everyone is doing the job they should be doing.

“That’s the only way to establish if our patients are receiving the services they need. And if not, why?”
The hospital was packed to capacity with long lines at the outpatient, emergency and well-baby sections.
Kapavore said it was unfortunate that a Level Five provincial hospital lacked infrastructure to function.
Committee members accompanying Kapavore were Moresby North-West MP Lohia Boe Samuel, Alotau MP Ricky Morris and Central Bougainville MP Simon Dumarinu.
Kapavore said it was time the NCD Health Authority and the Health Department improved health facilities and services.
He said the health system in Port Moresby should be fixed as it was the country’s capital with a population expanding at a fast rate.

The National / PNG health Watch

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