17 March 2014

Improving dental services for people of Manus

Manus residents again have access to public dental services, with the Lorengau hospital dental clinic reopening after upgrades to its water supply.

The upgrades supported by the Australian Government are providing clean, filtered, water for dental machines. New equipment, including a device to make dental prosthetics, will be delivered as part of the improvements.

Australia’s support for Lorengau hospital is part of a total package of $40 million of additional development assistance in healthcare, education, roads and activities for youth.

Lorengau Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Otto Numan said poor water supply to the dental clinic had reduced its operating capacity and clogged dental machines.

“With Australia’s assistance we have cleaned the water tank and installed a new pump and ultra-violet water purifier to provide more reliable clean water supply at the pressure we need to operate machines,” Dr Numan said.

“The arrival of new dental equipment will mean more and more clients can be checked and treated, which will further boost the quality of care for the people of Manus.”

Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ms Deborah Stokes, said Australia is providing approximately K1 million in specialist medical equipment and instruments for the hospital and a master plan to guide future work.

“We are proud to assist the hardworking staff of Lorengau hospital by helping them to build clinical capacity to meet the current and future needs of the people of Manus,” Ms Stokes said.

Ms Stokes said construction of all 20 schools kits under the additional assistance package has been completed. The Australian-funded kits include a double classroom with a teacher house, ablution block, water tanks and full furniture fit out.

“The work on renovation of the Lorengau market roof will take place in coming months and is expected to be completed by December this year. Australia is taking forward the implementation and funding of priority road projects and youth assistance initiatives,” Ms Stokes said.

The assistance is in addition to Australia’s existing development commitment to Manus that includes building school infrastructure, providing scholarships for health workers, replacing and upgrading of radio navigation aids at Momote Airport and strengthening the capacity of communities in Manus to adapt to climate change.