Daru hit by 59 typhoid cases

By BIBIAN BARRENG
THERE has been an increase in the number of typhoid cases last month in Daru, Western province.
A total of 59 cases were reported, more than double the usual number.
Dr John Konga, the CEO of Daru General Hospital said normally, the number of cases reported would be between 20 and 25.
He said the lack of clean water supply and poor sanitation along with shortage of drugs, particularly chloramphenical led to the increase.
He said the hospital ordered the supply of drugs some six months ago from the Health Department but were told there were no supplies of drugs in stock.
Then last Tuesday, the hospital received some drugs following directions from the Minister for Health Zasa Zibe.
Mr Zibe made a request to the member for South Fly, Sali Subam to address the issue regarding the shortage of drugs. Mr Subam confirmed that there was a shortage in Daru GH and elsewhere in the country due to the shortages in the medical stores in Badili, Port Moresby.
“I had to request the PNG Sustainable Development Program Ltd to step in and assist the people of South Fly with the medical drugs,” Mr Subam said.
The hospital then received its second supply of medical drugs from PNGSDP board member Sir Ebia Olewale, who presented K33,000 worth of medical drugs to Mr Subam and Dr Konga.
Dr Konga said that although the drugs would last only for a month, the hospital could continue treating patients until the Health Department send the required amount of drugs to Daru.