Mendi hospital stayed open despite violence and earthquake

Mendi Provincial Hospital in Southern Highlands never ceased operations once during last year’s general election uprising, the Feb 26 earthquake and the recent mayhem, says chief executive Dr Joseph Birisi.
He said it only scaled down operations and gave priority to emergency cases.
Birisi said that although the events unfolding were life-threatening to workers, they stood firm and did their best to treat patients.
“After the hospital lost expensive, lifesaving equipment in the earthquake, the hospital’s hard work and commitment resulted in Oil Search Foundation through Med-share giving two containers loaded with medical equipment,” he said. “Damaged equipment such as anaesthetic machine, microscopes, suction machine, oxygen flowmeters, and laboratory equipment have been replaced.
“The donation of medical equipment and supplies by Oil Search Foundation is a great relief that has boosted the morale of health workers at the hospital to give their best to the people.
“The help is greatly appreciated by the people of Southern Highlands.”