East Sepik seen as most challenging province

The National National
The Great Chief Somare Memorial Hospital, previously known as Boram Hospital, in East Sepik’s Wewak. Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters chairman Elias Kapavore says East Sepik is one of the most challenging provinces in the country to provide healthcare services. – Nationalfilepic

By JESHER TILTO
EAST Sepik has been described as the most challenging province to provide health services to.
Chairman of the Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters, Elias Kapavore, said the committee which visited the province in May noted that the provincial health authority (PHA) had to provide health services to one of the largest and geographically-challenging areas in the country.
“Health services in the province are delivered through 344 health facilities: one provincial hospital, 40 health centres, four community health posts and 281 aid posts in which 250 of them are currently closed due to manpower shortage,” he said.
“The committee is aware that the authority is working with the district development authorities to rebuild or open the 250 aid posts closed, including staff houses.”
The committee visited East Sepik from May 22-26 and toured the Sir Michael Somare Memorial Hospital (formerly Boram Hospital), Maprik Hospital, Ambunti health centre, Huliwa aid post and Naramko community health post.
It recommended that:

  • THE provincial health authority request for more manpower from the Personnel Management Department with funding allocated as a matter of priority. This will enable the operation of the new Boram Specialist Hospital, Ambunti health centre and the newly completed community health post; lTHE Health Department install an incinerator for the Boram hospital as a matter of priority;
  • THE Health Department work in consultation with stakeholders to complete the Maprik Level-Four Hospital within the next two years;
  • THE new Level-Three Ambunti health centre be commissioned immediately; and,
  • THE Government consider subsidising operational costs for Good Samaritan Aviation and Mission Aviation Fellowship.