Sia backs new EHP health authority board members

EASTERN Highlands Governor Simon Sia had some stories to tell the provincial health authority board members when he met them last Thursday.
“I heard complaints from people that health facilities in Eastern Highlands are deteriorating, shortages in medical supplies and staff shortages at the Goroka Provincial Hospital and in the district health facilities,” Sia told the board.
“One of my good friends (named) took his sick daughter to Goroka Provincial Hospital one night last week and found no staff to attend to her.
“My friend (named) has taken photos of empty work stations and sent them to me via WhatsApp.
“And I ask myself why is that so?
“People who are looking for medicines are told they (the medicines) are sold in this and that village.
“Why is this happening?”
Sia congratulated the authority’s new board members and chairman Chris Kopiyoto, and said he had confidence in them as they were experienced personnel.
“You are prominent leaders and business,” he said.
“What I like to say is let’s work together under the leadership of Chairman Kopiyoto, the management and board members and my Government as a team to address health issues facing the people today.”
Board members Miriam Layton, David Wong, Pastor Graham Baital, Ipae Maniha and Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Apa raised critical issues facing health in the province during the opening of the first meeting of the board on Thursday.
The board also handed a submission to Sia to address critical staff and medical supply shortages at Goroka Provincial Hospital and in health facilities throughout the province.