Tribal fight prevents two men from getting timely treatment

TWO emergency cases transported to Kundiawa General Hospital from Bundi in Madang over the weekend have been delayed at Denglagu due to an active tribal fight in the area, according to a local.
Vincent Kumura, of the Kumura Foundation, who arranged for transport to assist the two men into Kundiawa on Saturday, said they had been at Denglagu Health Centre for two days now.
Kumura identified one of the emergency cases as Peter Petrus, in his early 30s, from the remote Imure village of Upper Bundi.
He said Petrus did not return home after a solo night-hunting trip on Dec 28 near Emigari, Bundi.
A village search party the next day found Petrus with knife-like slashes on his lower back, head and the sole of his right foot completely gone.
Petrus was unable to recall what caused his injuries.
Kumura’s team was called in to assist, dress his already-infected wounds and arrange for help to transport the injured man.
However, he said the fight between Kuglkane and Kamaneglu tribes had resulted in Kamaneglu tribesmen blocking the road that linked Madang and Chimbu.
“Both men have received initial medical assistance at Denglagu Health Centre to stabilise their condition while awaiting clearance to continue into Kundiawa,” Kumura said.
He said his foundation was in touch with the Chimbu health authority to send an ambulance to transport them to Kundiawa General Hospital.