Health centre shutdown affects 6000 people in 16 villages

By JIMMY KALEBE
THE shutting down of a church run health centre in Jabem-Mape local level government area in Finschhafen, Morobe, for the last two years has affected over 6000 people in 16 villages.
Jabem-Mape LLG deputy president Ismael Nozu told The National yesterday that lives had been lost and disease outbreaks were common as a result as a result of closure of Makini sub-health centre.
He said villages in wards 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 were affected and walked two days to access medical services at Braun Lutheran Hospital in Gagidu.
“This is too long and too much,” Nozu said.
“This has impacted much on the people, especially the sick, pregnant women, child birth and other health issues facing the people. We are really feeling the pain.”
Nozu said the church should look at the plight of the people and revive health services.
“The Lutheran administration should make it clear to the people about the closure,” he said. “There are no staff manning the health centre now.”
Nozu said Braun Hospital staff did not visit these places to assist the people but its administrator Simon Sony, however, said Makini sub health centre was not the responsibility of Braun.
Finschhafen health manager, Ricther Posai, said the officer-in-charge of the sub health centre was away for a two-year study.