Kainantu health centre appeal

 By JUNIOR UKAHA

THE Onemuga health centre in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands, badly needs repair and maintenance, Kamano Local Level Government president Desmond Antakite says.

He said the facility built in 1974 by the Salvation Army had been neglected by the government and political leaders over the years.

The health centre serves hundreds of people in Kainantu, Obura and Okapa. 

“This clinic has saved the lives of many of our people,” Antakite said.

“Mothers who want to give birth come here. Even people injured in fights get treatment here.”

He said it badly needed renovation to continue providing the important health care services to the people.

Antakite has comitted K40,000 from his LLGSIP funds to upgrade the hospital.

“We need around K500,000 to improve the status of this health centre to a rural hospital,” Antakite said.

“This is a very important project because it will save many lives.” Nathan Fumi, the residential nursing officer, said the facility was facing difficulties, such as its water and power supply.

“The  only genset that supplies power to the health centre is old and cannot supply power properly,” Fumi said.

Fumi said the once vibrant nursing school operated by the church had closed because of tribal fights.

“We have 15 staff at the moment but there is no doctor,” Fumi said.

“On busy days we attend to up to over 60 patients a day.”

Fumi said they provide outpatient service, ante-natal care, VCT diagnosis and patient care and observation wards.