Centre not restricted to Covid-19, says official

THE West New Britain (WNB) Covid-19 centre will have the capacity to deal with all emergencies in the province and not restricted to Covid-19, says Dr Mathias Sapuri.
Dr Sapuri, the chairman of the WNB health authority (PHA), said the facility was being built at a cost of K7 million (K3.7 million for building and K3.3 million for medical equipment, consumables and ICU monitors and ventilators).
He said the facility was a key component of the province’s comprehensive response and was aligned with the national preparedness and response strategy.
He commended the PHA staff for their excellent effort in planning, designing and executing the facility based on stringent clinical guidelines for the new global pandemic.
The centre would have an isolation ward, quarantine ward, triage areas fully equipped with medical equipment and supplies and consumables, including personal protective equipment and transport system.
“This is the key health infrastructure being created in response to the new global health pandemic which is threatening the core of our society and I fully support the management and staff of WNBPHA to ensure that this facility is progressed expeditiously and concluded,” Dr Sapuri said.
“I acknowledge the efforts of WNB government and private sector towards this project.
“I would like all stakeholders to know that the WNBPHA’s response plan recognises the power of participation, partnership and ownership in all our efforts regarding the Covid-19 and all other health issues.”