by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
PNG’s Opposition leader, Don Polye, has criticised the Health Minister, Michael Malabag, and the government bench for not responding adequately to the escalating tuberculosis multi drug-resistant crisis in Daru, Western Province.
Mr Polye says the national government has failed, and is not serious enough, keeping silent on the deadly infectious bacterial disease.
Mr Polye labelled Mr Malabag’s response to the TB crisis as unpleasing, and embarrassing, and said that the multi-drug-resistant TB in Daru is a “sad state of affair.”
Response shown by the national government in containing the epidemic is a grave concern, Polye stated.
Health is a priority of any government, he said. Instead of using funds to address the Daru TB epidemic, millions have been pumped into non-essential infrastructure like roads and bridges in Port Moresby.
Polye said the national government must not rely heavily on the Australian Government for funds, but has to play it’s part in the fight against the multi-drug resistant crisis.
However, Prime Minister, Peter O&rsquO’Neill, when questioned of the national government’s seriousness into the tuberculosis crisis, said it is now the focus and priority.
Combating tuberculosis is a very expensive exercise and the prime minister appealed to all infected, to be faithful to their dose.
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