By Jack Lapauve Jr – EM TV News, Port Moresby
Since its establishment after independence, the Silur Health Centre in Namatanai District of New Ireland province has received little to no attention from government authorities.
Poor facilities, little supply of medical drugs and transportation are just some issues faced by the health centre.
Health workers say everyday has its challenges in order to provide basic health services to the people.
Communities in Silur and other council wards in the Konagil LLG walk for hours or travel by road and sea to seek medical attention.
Community Health Worker, Karl Camillus, told EMTV that poor support by the levels of government has left them struggling to save lives.
“We have not received any assistance from all the levels of government in the province,” said Camillus.
It’s not only the financial challenges the health centre is facing, but also poor transport infrastructure that has denied health workers access to medical drugs in Namatanai and Kavieng.
“The roads are covered with bushes, we now use the sea as the only available transport to access medical drugs and other equipment needed by the health facility,” Camillus said.
But with the launch of the new multi-million KIna oil palm project in the area, both government and church run institutions believe it will help provide better health and education services to the people of Konagil LLG.
