The health department came under immense scrutiny overthe poor state ofthe Laloki Psychiatric Hospital.
That pressure was put on bythe Public Accounts Committee chairman John Hickey.
After yesterday’s Monday’s cancellation ofthe treasury, finance and planning inquiry, chairman ofthe PAC and member for Begia John Hickey, was joined by PAC colleague and member for Kabwum Beb Dadae.
The inquiry intothe state of Port Moresby General Hospital,the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital andthe Health Services Improverment Program went ahead without delay.
The Laloki Psychiatric Hospital was closely examined as it has been onthe agenda since 2010.
Laloki Psychiatric Hospital Acting CEO Getzo Wamele toldthe committee thatthe hospital has no sufficient water supply, and patient and staff accommodation is desperately lacking.
K2.5 million was allocated inthe 2011 budget to build staff housing but construction did not eventuate until early this year.
More so,the hospital lacks separate wards. Young patients are mixed withthe criminally insane and those who have contagious diseases.
Funds are also needed to increase staff. There are 84 staff members attending to 105 patients.
The hospital requirestheWorld Health Organization required staff number of 150 for any psychiatric institution.
Mr Hickey has instructed health Secretary Pascoe Kase to immediately assistthe hospital management with water and accommodation issues.
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