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ALL the best to PNG on this Thursday morning – and of course to our many
readers of the internet edition around the globe.
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ONWARD, forward are the buzz words this morning as we again attack the
host of Quiz answers to our Gemo Island question. First e-mail today
comes from Dr John Christie of Swan Hill in Victoria and he has an
interesting tale to tell. Here’s the good doctor to share his remarkable
story.
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“GEMO Island in Fairfax Harbour was the site of a TB and leprosy
hospital. It was launched by nursing sister Constance Fairhall (known as
“Paul” after the Apostle) of the London Missionary Society (LMS) in 1937
with the help of two Samoan catechists. This was well before the days of
modern medicine when the treatment for both leprosy and T.B was long and
complicated.”
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THE story continues: “In addition it was thought that by isolating those
suffering these conditions it would help reduce the spread of these
diseases in the community. Other such special hospitals were set up
throughout PNG with Bitapaka Hospital in East New Britain, run by the
Catholic church in conjunction with Vunapope Hospital in Kokopo,
possibly being the biggest.”
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DR Christie adds: “By the early 1970s, it was apparent that it was
possible to successfully treat people suffering from these diseases at
their home health centres and even aid posts as treatments and attitudes
had changed. All specialist TB and leprosy hospitals including Gemo
were closed by the Department of Health between 1974 and 1978.”
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FINALLY, notes our Quizzer: “I knew Gemo Island hospital very well, for
as a medical student at the Papuan Medical College (1966-1970), we were
taken regularly to Gemo Island to study the then treatment of TB and
leprosy.” Our warmest thanks to Dr Christie; Column One delights in
having a solid bank of people who are leading or have led sometimes
extraordinary lives in PNG.
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QUICK! We can tuck in one more correct answer and it’s from Marjorie
Jameson in distant Ireland. May all your clover leafs be quadrupeds,
Marjorie – great to have you with us. More winners tomorrow – cheers!
– Dee Nesenolis
 
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