Island aid post without basic drugs

The Sturt Island Aid Post has been without basic medical drugs for over a year now.

Community Health Worker Kawani Bulia said requests for new supplies from health authorities continue to fall on deaf ears.

Medical officer Bulia said the plight of the aid post is not an isolated situation.

Shortage of medical drugs and supplies is widespread in rural PNG, combined with remoteness, the impacts are hard hitting on patients who require urgent medical attention.

Bulia explained, alternative treatment like injection is their last resort until basic medicines like amoxycillin and pain relievers are restocked.

Absence of communication is another challenge. 

Using a 2-way radio is his only form of communication with the outside world.

At present, urgent medical cases are referred to Daru general hospital while common sicknesses like pneumonia and influenza are treated depending on the availability of the medicines.

Bulia is appealing to the provincial and national leaders to recognise their need and improve rural health care.

Author: 
Carolyn Ure