Yawing wrong about Morobe’s health system

 PROVINCIAL health adviser Micah Yawing claimed that Morobe enjoys one of the best health systems (the staffing, logistics and facilities) in the country (The National, Sept 26). 

I do not agree with his assessment.

I am a Morobean living in Lae city and I am a health worker by profession. 

Angau Hospital is in a rundown state, patients are dying in the emergency department and the hospital wards.

A classic example would be the one of the injured porters from the Black Cat Track incident who died while waiting for treatment. 

Casualties line up in corridors, cement pathways and the verandah, all waiting for nurses and doctors, but end up dying silently.

Let me remind the adviser that he should be aware of the appalling state of the health system in the province, including the issue of shortage of health workers. 

I see no valid information or concrete evidence in his statements. 

Where is his proof? 

In Morobe, the people living in settlements, suburbs and surrounding villages are missing out on vital services such as family health services (immunisations and antenatal care), HIV/AIDS or sexually transmitted infections information. 

Health services  that should be reachable are not and the same excuses are rolled out; staff shortages, logistical problems and so on. 

Concerned health

worker 

Lae