WHP hospital to reduce services

THE Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital and other health facilities in Western Highlands will reduce services before completely shutting down by November because of a lack of funding from the Government, an official says.
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority acting chief executive officer Jane Holden said the latest surge in the Coronavirus (Covid-19) cases was having a significant impact on services.
The health authority has a funding shortfall of K1.6 million for its operations.
It has no choice but to shut down operation before Christmas.
“Mt Hagen hospital is under considerable stress due to a lack of funding in terms of ongoing clinical services and a surge in Covid-19 patients,” she said.
She said starting today, no consultation clinics for new patients would be allowed.
“We will also ask patients coming from other centres to seek support locally rather than attending Mt Hagen hospital.”
Holden said over the next six weeks, patients would be sent home.
Holden said it was a difficult decision to make but their pleas to the departments of Treasury and Finance had not been addressed.
“Health services need to be funded and reducing services at Mt Hagen hospital will also increase pressure on rural health services.
“This is a very difficult time for us and people need to look after their health as most services will be closed starting today.”