Villagers want health centre re-opened

 By HENRY PAMBUAI

VILLAGERS in the Taure Lakakam local level government in Gulf want the Government to re-open the health facility in the area.

The closure of the Terapo health clinic almost two months ago is causing a lot of inconvenience to the people, according to landowner company chairman Terry Malaisa.

The people had sent a request in August for Government funding to have the facility re-opened.

But the people had not received any positive response on the request.

The health facility is in the Taure Lakakam local level government in the Malalaua district.

“It’s the people who are suffering,” Malaisa said.

“We have a lot of sick people who are referred to only Malalaua. 

“Mothers and sick people are being turned away from the clinic. 

“It’s very difficult for pregnant mothers.

“Nurses are attending to emergency cases only. 

The hospital is still closed but they treat patients outside on the lawn. That’s how bad it is down there.”

Malaisa said villagers from Moveave, Kukipi, Lelefiru, Sapea Ape, Savaiviri, Hamu and Uritaiwanted it re-opened because it was the only health facility in the area.

Meanwhile, Kerema MP Richard Mendani said he was aware of the closure of the Terapo facility.

Mendani said he was working with Kikori MP Mark Maipakai to secure funding.

“I am not surprised at all by the closure,” Mendani said.

“It is because there are other health posts like Uritai which closed five years ago experiencing far worse, especially in the remote areas like Kaintiba.” 

Mendani said when the funding is secured by him and Maipakai, the health centre will be reopened.

“We are working to get some money so once we get the money needed for the project, the health clinics will be refurbished.”