Centre needs expansion, says Xavier

National, Normal
Source:

The National, Wednesday July 17th, 2013

 By PISAI GUMAR

THE Zaka health centre in Morobe patrol post, Huon Gulf district, needs to be expanded to cater for the increased population, board treasurer Ipura Ben Xavier says.

He applauded the Huon Gulf joint district planning and budget priorities committee (JDPBPC), under MP Ross Seymour’s leadership, for  allocating K30,000 for maintenance.

Speaking at Sapa village on Saturday, he said maintenance would cater for the dispensary, maternity ward, outpatient and inpatient ward and office of the officer-in-charge.

The ward could hold only 12 patients and Xavier wanted that extended to cut overcrowding.

“However, Zaka requires a separate maternity ward and delivery room, more staff with staff houses, clean water supply and lights to cater for the 13-14,000 population here,” he said.

Zaka, the only Lutheran health agency, caters for patients from Zia, Yekora and Mawae tribes and coastline communities as far Eya-Gugumi bordering Ijivitari to Agotame, Tube, Kira and Sekare in Sohe district in Northern.

“If the government and church are serious in ensuring that health services reach the rural majority, staff accommodation, health facilities and medical supplies should be up to standard,” Xavier said.