22 October 2013

Improving health care for people of Manus Province

Manus Province residents will receive better quality health care following the first delivery of new specialist medical equipment to Lorengau hospital.

The first batch of new equipment includes blood pressure monitors, instruments to check eyes and ears, and devices to check oxygen levels in blood.

Further batches of equipment will include an ECG (electrocardiogram) machine for screening heart abnormalities and an infant warmer for monitoring a baby’s temperature and wellbeing.

The equipment is part of an additional support package to Manus agreed by the Governments of PNG and Australia.

Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Ms Deborah Stokes, today inspected the equipment with Lorengau hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Otto Numan.

“This essential equipment will build the Lorengau hospital’s capacity to meet the needs of the Manus community,” Ms Stokes said.

“The additional support package for Manus is delivering on-the-ground assistance – and there is more to come in healthcare, education, roads and activities for youth.”

Dr Numan said the equipment would make a significant impact on health services.

“The Lorengau hospital is privileged to receive this valuable medical equipment which should significantly contribute to improving the quality of patient care,” Dr Numan said.

More than 20 types of equipment and instruments, worth approximately K1 million, are being provided to the hospital in batches sourced by open tender from internationally recognised quality assured suppliers.

The additional support package also includes funding to renovate the water system for the hospital’s dental clinic and development of a Master Plan for the hospital.
Work on the water system is expected to start in late October and the final master plan is expected to be finished by early November.

The PNG National and Manus Provincial Governments determine which projects will receive funding under the additional assistance package.

Under the package, the PNG Government has provided K18.5 million to the Manus Provincial Government for projects in Manus and Australia will at least match this contribution and expects to exceed it. The package of additional works includes support for education infrastructure, road maintenance and rehabilitation works, the renovation of Lorengau Market roof and community grants for youth activities.

Australia’s existing aid for Manus includes delivery of textbooks and school infrastructure, delivery of medical supply kits to 62 aid posts and 13 health centres and the awarding of health scholarships.