“Increase in the capacity of local health workers to manage and deliver primary health services through training and education is gradually improving health indicators in New Ireland Province,” says Chairman for Health to the PEC and Murat LLG President, Mr. Herman Sole.
Poliamba is now an excellent facility, with experienced staff and is becoming very self-sufficient. Sister Eddie and her staff are running an excellent Health Centre at Kabanut, Sr. Rulyn at Lambom, with good clinical skills, and Sr. Cathy Bulu at Lamassa, are a few to name who are proactive in providing quality health care in their areas.”
These, among others, were statements highlighted in recent Integrated Health Patrol Reports by the Australian Doctors International (ADI) to the very remote Health Centres and Aid Posts in the East Central Niu Ailan and Konoagil, in the Namatanai District.
Despite the lack of efficient medical supplies, triggered by the continuously deteriorating state of public sector service delivery by the National Government, rural health workers in New Ireland are demonstrating commitment in improving the situation within their respective local communities.
While health indicators in the Province are gradually improving at a steady rate, there are still challenges ahead in the fight to reduce preventable diseases through public health programs, health education and the promotion of healthy communities.
Between the period of 1 March to the 30 April 2015, ADI have screened a total of 445 individuals, visited 4 schools, facilitated 7 hours of community health education & training, conducted 1233 medical examinations and made 107 referrals.
Supporting the Chairman, Governor Sir Julius Chan said, “I am encouraged by the report and – since the Integrated Health Patrols are free – all our lapuns, the disabled and the weak, please be present at your community hall, aid post, health centre or church ground to receive treatment or undergo medical examination whenever the ADI team is visiting your village.”
Source: By Benjamin Nasson Wakip Jnr V, Governor’s Office | New Ireland Provincial Government
