Churches discuss ways to improve health services

THE Mamose regional Christian Health Services conference was held in Lae, Morobe, last week.
The conference was hosted by the St Joseph Technical College, a Catholic-run education institute, attracting 40 participants.
The theme was on the PNG national health plan’s key results areas which included improving child survival, improving maternal health, reducing communicable diseases and promoting healthy lifestyle.
Formerly known as the Churches Medical Council, the CHS is a body of 24 church health services in PNG and three associated health services. It has been in existence since 1964.
Pr Hans Giegere from the Evangelical Lutheran church of PNG opened the conference with an inspirational message from Paul’s letter to Philippians: “Regardless of the imprisonment St Paul was in; he kept writing and proclaiming joy to the churches in Philippians; this is because he was empowered by the partnership he had with the churches in Philippians.”
Hans also inspired the ecumenical meeting, saying: “Our meeting here is the result of partnership; regardless of the challenges in the health status of PNG, through partnership we have worked together and will work together in this healing ministry with joy and love.”
CHS chief executive officer Joseph Sika said: “We should put our efforts together and collectively we will see a greater achievement, we should not work in isolation as each church’s health services but together as Christian health services.”
Morobe health programme adviser Micah Yawing said: “There is high growth rate, high mortality rate, high disease rate etc… Yes, the problem exists but we will take responsibility”.
He said he would ensure there was continuous support to the health services in Morobe.