Good Samaritans asked to expand mercy missions

By GYNNIE KERO
A feasibility study to expand health services via float planes to Western and Gulf is expected to be completed in October.
This is according to Wewak-based Samaritan Aviation president Mark Palm following a request from the Government.
The Government recognised the efforts of the Christian not-for-profit organisation with a K2 million assistance on Friday.
Planning Minister Richard Maru asked Samaritan Aviation to use its planes to deliver vaccines to remote areas not accessible by road.
“You (Samaritan Aviation) have convinced the Government with the services and the Government will continue to support you,” he said.
“The Government now requests Samaritan Aviation to conduct a feasibility study to provide this same service to the people of Western and Gulf who live along the Fly River and other river systems, including the Purari River in Gulf. Extending these critical services are part of our plan to improve service delivery in the health sector to assist the country improve its health indicators.”
The Samaritan Aviation is providing the service “to demonstrate God’s love” by addressing the health and medical needs of the people who live in the Sepik River Valley.
Palm said: “This (K2 million) funding will allow us do a feasibility study in the Western and Gulf provinces this year as we look to expand to the south side of PNG in 2020.
“We have set up a successful and proven model in the ESP which we feel can be duplicated to other remote water areas of PNG.
“These funds which will allow us to increase our capacity to save lives.
“Samaritan Aviation is a firm believer in partnership and one partnership we have relied on since we began our life-saving operations in the remote areas of PNG has been the PNG Government.”