Health workers hailed for saving lives during disaster

PIMAGA Rural Health Centre manager Michael Puma has commended and thanked health extension officers, nurses and community health workers for their commitment and dedication to serve the people during the Highlands earthquake.
Today marks the first anniversary of the 7.5 magnitude quake that struck Southern Highland, Hela and other nearby provinces.
Puma thanked his staff for their bravery, courage, strength and stamina to stand and serve the people.
“In the early hours of Feb 26, we were hit by a 7.5 magnitude earthquake, our homes were affected and we were traumatised,” he said.
“But that morning, before the aid workers came in, when I called out for help, all my staff were there.
“They never got any training in responding to emergencies like earthquakes, but that morning when the injured were brought in, my staff were there treat them.”
Puma said that they helped save many lives but no one outside Pimaga would know the hard work, dedication and commitment that the Pimaga Hospital staff put in that day to help people.
“There were people just lying there, blood everywhere, and more people were just coming in on the hour. Some were in shock, they just laid there with no injuries but couldn’t respond, we did the best we could to help these people,” he said.
“I want to take this chance to thank all the HEO, CHW and nurses for their service on that day.”
Puma also thanked the Oil Search Foundation and those who helped support the Pimaga centre.