Family makes medical appeal for young Melki

MELKI Gumoveh, 13, had to withdraw from school while in grade five because of a swelling on his right mouth.
The swelling began when he was in grade two in 2017.
Melki, from Gimiyau village in the Minalalo local level government, Goroka, Eastern Highlands, was forced to go home in 2020 while attending the Akameku Primary School.
Melki’s uncle, Neisan Gape said his parents took him to the hospital when the swelling started and he was given medication.
“His condition worsened, even though doctors at the Goroka Hospital and private health facilities conducted medical checks on him,” he said.
“We were advised to go to Port Moresby General Hospital for further treatment and surgery.”
“We are subsistence farmers in the village and cannot afford to take him to the city.
“From what his parents make from the market, they buy his medicine.
“The swelling is now making it difficult for him to eat.
“Lately he has been vomiting whatever he eats.”
Recently, when Melki and his dad were at a private pharmacy in Goroka to buy his medicine, his story was shared on Facebook.
“We were told that a doctor (Dr James Naipao) from Port Moresby General Hospital saw Melki’s story and said that he be referred to him,” Neisan said.