We’re ready to help, says Temu

THE Health Department is ready to assist in relief efforts in areas affected by last Monday’s earthquake, says Minister for Health and HIV-AIDS Sir Puka Temu.
He said immediate impacts from disasters were often health-related and would require an urgent response.
A team from the Health Department is working with other agencies to take supplies into the affected areas as soon as possible.
“We have a provincial health authority in Hela at the moment and we are working together,” Sir Puka said.
“Health is always at the frontline of any disaster like the earthquake.
“We got a phone call from Hela that they needed drugs so our team is moving drugs there at the earliest.
“I think the airstrip in Hela is being tested and if that is okay, then our team is ready to provide supplies.”
Sir Puka noted that the relief effort would be greatly improved with the 100 per cent aid kits ready for distribution after the awarding of the distribution contracts by Central Supply and Tenders Board.