Healthcare services in mining villages

A GOOD, strong working relationship is needed from non-governmental organisations (NGOs), civil societies, churches, provincial and local level government and businesses to effectively deliver health services and to minimise diseases afflicting people in mining communities.
Diseases such as malaria, pneumonia, tuberculosis, perinatal conditions, infant mortality, accident and violence including HIV/AIDS were higher in the country than in other countries.
“These could be addressed well through partnership with the PNG Resource Sector in community health,” Geoff Scahill, senior development manager of JTA International, said.
He said the provision of appropriate standard of health for community members within a mine impact area, who become ill or injured, must be addressed through access to local services that meets PNG national standard.
Some of the challenges highlighted during the mining seminar included population growth, change in social status, desire change in social status, social issues such as alcohol and substance abuse, including expectations of communities.
“Sustainable development means adopting business strategies that meet the needs of the enterprise and its stakeholders today while protecting, sustaining and enhancing human and natural resources that will be needed in the future …” he said.