Doctor fulfils dream

 BEING a doctor is something she has always wanted to be and Miriam Boga is now fulfilling her ambition.

She works with the Oil Search Health Foundation as the HIV medical officer.

“My job is mainly being the clinical team leader so I am basically in charge of all clinical issues relating to HIV,” she said.

“It includes HIV testing, treatment of HIV patients with antiretroviral therapy and strengthening hospital systems by providing clinical support to Tari hospital and other rural facilities we are involved with.”

She has a masters degree in Medicine from the University of Papua New Guinea and is a qualified specialist physician. She worked in provincial hospitals in PNG for 10 years.

“Working in provincial hospitals, I noted that many patients always come to me very sick and in the critical stages of their illnesses,” she said.

“I always questioned why they had to wait this long to seek help. 

“There are many things that contribute to sick people not seeking help early enough – traditional beliefs, distance, finance, poor infrastructure.

“So I finally decided that if patients can’t come to me, I will go to them.

“I am thankful therefore that the Oil Search Health Foundation has provided me that opportunity so that I can go out into the most remote areas to help the sick without compromising the wellbeing of my family.”

A typical day for Dr Boga begins with a team briefing followed by rounds in the main medical ward.

“I would then attend to consultation clinics. The clinics cover HIV, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections and prevention of parent to child transmission of HIV. 

“From time to time I get to see patients referred to me for other medical problems.”

She also conducts two rural facility visits each month. And she faces security and resources problems.

“Hela is known for its tribal warfare so security is always an issue,” she said.

“Limited resources or medical equipment to work with and rough and rugged terrains to get to rural facilities are also a problem.

“Oil Search has provided a great deal of assistance in terms of finance and logistics so we can travel out to rural communities as well as maintain communication even in the most remote areas.”