Donations help Madang build a cancer clinic

By DOROTHY MARK
THE new cervical cancer clinic in Madang is expected to open next month, says cancer specialist Dr John Bolnga.
He received another donation – K60,910 – last week from the Colour Run fundraiser organised by Island Petroleum fuel distributor last year.
Bolnga thanked Island Petroleum, businesshouses and individuals who participated in the Colour Run.
Island Petroleum’s Madang branch manager Sahin Das said they raised K41,528 last year which was used to build the cervical cancer clinic.
He said this year they gave K60,910 for the purchase of equipment.
Bolgna said they will buy the Gen Xpert machine that will be used to identify the human papilloma virus that causes cervical cancer.
They will also buy the cervical coagulator which is to treat patients who are cancer positive.
“It is more like a one-stop shop for women,’’ Bolnga said.
“We will run tests, give result and treat at the same time.”
Bolnga’s concern now is how to sustain the clinic in the long run.
He said the clinic would need continuous funding to maintain equipment and buy cartridges and consumables of the clinic to keep it operating.
He said at present woman with cervical cancer were supplied with blood and painkillers.
Bolnga said once the clinic is operating next month, proper tests and treatment, including counselling, will be given to patients to improve their status and treat cancer.