Community thankful for doctor’s kindness

THE Tunjkup tribe living at Warala village near Banz, in Jiwaka, have thanked Dr Malts Wai, a gynaecologist at the Mt Hagen General Hospital, for dipping into his own pocket to build a community clinic.
Community leader Tony Noipa said they had not contributed anything towards his education but Wai was making a personal sacrifice to bring a vital service to the people.
Noipa said a lot of women had died from birth complications, cervical cancer or other diseases.
“We have a clinic at Maria Kwin Centre and the Kimil Health Centre for Banz local level government but they cannot cater for the ever increasing population,” he said.
“Kudjip hospital is now a referral hospital and it is very busy every day, catering for patients from all over the Highlands.
“This clinic, once completed, will not only serve the people of Warala, but Banz town, Jimi and other areas in the province.
“I take this time to thank Dr Wai for committing his own resources to build this clinic which will save our mothers and children.”
University of Papua new Guinea School of Medicine and Health Science Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Dr Glen Mola accompanied Dr Wai for a site inspection. It was the first time for people to see Mola in person and became excited and thanked him for lecturing and mentoring Wai when he was a student.
Wai said the clinic was under construction.
“The clinic will provide basic antenatal care and treat patients with other common diseases,” he said.
Jimi district health officer Joseph Mombo said community health workers and nursing officers should upskill themselves to obtain necessary knowledge and skills to handle complicated situations when there was no doctor.