Gerehu hospital scales down operation

 THE Gerehu District Hospital in Port Moresby has scaled down its operation because 30 of its staff are engaged in the Pacific Games.

Health adviser Dr Gary Ou’u said specialists, nurses and health extension officers were manning the clinic at the Games Village.

He said the National Capital District was pointed out as one of the three hot-spot provinces for tuberculosis last year.

It has the highest prevalence rate of one per cent in HIV/AIDS.

“During such a big event, more awareness needs to carried out because people become careless in their attitudes and sexual behaviour, and do not consider the importance of their health,” he said.

He said the hospital was looking at increasing manpower, which the Department of Personnel Management approved two weeks ago.

The hospital is looking at recruiting 180 new staff.