Health centre prepared to assess Covid-19 cases

THE Suhin Health Centre in North Bougainville has been turned into a Covid-19 assessment and isolation facility.
The K600,000 upgrade was funded by Australia and New Zealand in partnership with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG).
It is the latest project in an Australian and New Zealand government package of support for the Covid-19 preparedness and response efforts.
Bougainville health secretary Clement Totavun said the infrastructure was invaluable to the implementation of ABG’s Covid-19 emergency response and preparedness plan.
“While there are currently no confirmed cases in Bougainville, the health centre is ready as an isolation ward to treat patients and help prevent the spread of coronavirus,” he said.
Totavun said the upgrades were carried out by local contractors who were also trained in Covid-19 awareness and basic protective measures.
“The health centre has an eight-bed assessment and isolation facility that links directly to Buka General Hospital,” he said.
“Major renovations were done to the health centre building, toilets and perimeter fencing, it is also furnished and a generator is also provided.”
The health centre upgrade follows the Australian and NZ governments’ donation of four vehicles to the Bougainville health department to support the Covid-19 communications outreach to communities.