Picture Source: PNG Happening Facebook Page
The health facility that provides medical care to 13 West Mekeo Villages has been closed following severe flooding.
The closure has affected about 14,000 people who live in the area.
Veifa’a Health Centre Doctor, Cindy Gaso, says it is also the only health facility in that part of Central Province that has a certified doctor.
Since its establishment in 1967, Veifa’a Health Centre has been providing much needed health services to this part of Central Province. It is also a teaching facility for community health workers.
Before the flood, the health centre’s infrastructure was really run down; with severe flooding in late January, the situation has worsened.
Among areas affected was the facility’s main ward which caters for 40 patients.
“They had to move patients from the main facility into two stand-alone buildings. Only one has 7 beds.” Dr. Gaso says they breached infection control measures because the patients’ ablution blocks overflowed into the health facility.
Male Nurse, Michael Hau, described the situation to be very unhygienic, despite their efforts in helping patients. Currently, the health center is closed.
It will remain closed until it is authorised to open by the National Health Department.
Dr. Gaso says it cannot go back to full service because they are catering for all kinds of diseases which places patients and health workers at risk.
Worryingly, with the closure of Veifa’a Health Centre, about 14,000 people now do not have access to health services.
