More funding approved for Kudjip hospital

By Rebecca Kuku
THE National Executive Council has approved additional funding for the Kudjip Nazarene hospital in Jiwaka to support its operation, says Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.
He was responding to reports that the hospital administration had started putting up notices to inform the people that it would be closed because of the lack of funding.
Kudjip Nazarene Provincial Hospital administrator Dr Scott Dooley said they understood the impact a closure would have on the people and were doing their best to lessen it by announcing the closure information so that people were aware of the situation.
He also gave a timeline. “By Feb 18, we will not be admitting anyone new to the hospital, with the exception of mothers who are about to deliver,” he said.
“We will only be seeing patients in the clinic, and working to discharge those who have already been admitted. By Feb 25, we will not be seeing any new patients, including pregnant mothers. The emergency rooms will be closed and we will continue to work to discharge all those who have been admitted.
“And by March 1, we will be closed, until the government chooses to fund us.”
O’Neill told The National that the Government through cabinet had approved the funding last week.