Oro Governor Garry Juffa has expressed grave concern at what appears to be a lack of apparent concern from the Department of Health on the spread of cancer in the country.
Juffa in a statement to Loop PNG said cancer was killing off many of PNG’s capable female workforce.
He said those women dying were not just breadwinners but also careers and nation builders and it was becoming a serious concern yet the national Government and especially NDOH was very lax in its approach towards rectifying the matter.
"Cancer is spreading and stalking our womenfolk especially.
“PNG is losing many young women in their prime to cancer. Many of these cases are easily preventable if detected and treated early.”
Unfortunately, Juffa said the only cancer treatment facility in Lae is still unable to be effective due to poor equipment and manpower.
“With all the money we seem to have to spend on extravagant international events and overpriced projects in NCD, you would think that any thinking caring Government would ensure state of the art facilities and manpower to address this killer disease killing our mothers sisters wives and daughters.
“But sadly, very little attention is given.”
He added that the 2017 budget sees even less money for health.
“It’s terrible.”
Meanwhile, he said every province needs proper detection facilities and substantial awareness must be carried out on how to detect and treat cancer early.
“Prevention is the best approach and we must educate our people how best to avoid foods and substances that trigger cancer."
Juffa, who is also the Deputy Chairman for the Special Parliamentary Committee on Public Service Review has indicated that he would insist that this matter be brought back before the Committee as a matter of urgent public interest.
He said this is to see how far the NDOH had gone to advance the recommendations made to address the lack of equipment and treatment options for cancer patients.