Martha LOUIS

Bulolo District Hospital, a level four healthcare facility, is grappling with a severe shortage of medical personnel, hindering its ability to serve the urban population of 9, 000 and patients from the Menyama and Wau-Waria Districts of Morobe province. Despite having essential medical equipment, including a standard laboratory, an X-ray machine, and an ultrasound machine since 2019, the lack of qualified doctors and technicians has left these facilities largely underutilized. Currently staffed by only 18 health workers, the hospital falls short of the 25 personnel, including at least one doctor, required to meet the healthcare needs of the region effectively. This staffing deficiency is exacerbated by the infrequency of rural doctor visits, with only one visit recorded this year and none in the previous year. Dr. Kipas Binga, CEO of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority, emphasized the urgent need to make Bulolo District Hospital fully operational to support patients from neighbouring districts. Additionally, two health clinics, each costing nearly K10 million and funded by Defat, remain underutilized due to a lack of midwives necessary for childbirth services. In response to these challenges, local MP Sam Basil Jnr has provided a mobile clinic vehicle to the hospital. Inspired by his personal experience with his mother’s successful battle against cervical cancer, this mobile clinic aims to enhance cancer screening and detection efforts. Efforts to improve healthcare services in the region remain ongoing, but addressing the staffing crisis is essential for the hospital to operate at full capacity and serve the community adequately.

The Wau Waria District Development Authority is shaking up the approach to youth programs. Rather than the usual focus on group activities like sports, they're taking a new path. Local MP, Marsh Narewec stated their plan is to target individual youths, aiming to give them hope and job opportunities. Their goals are clear: they want to change mindsets and behaviours and give young people the skills they need for work. With youth unemployment a big problem, even the Prime Minister is paying attention. Narewec added they've found over 18,000 unemployed youths in the district, and they're aiming to help 10% of them, around 1,800 young people. Their approach includes training to change how young people think, with partners like ELCPNG and The Voice Inc. They're also offering paths like technical college and apprenticeships for skill-building and jobs. The initiative has serious funding too, with K1.5 million from various sources, including the MP's funds and education allocations. Part of this money goes to scholarships and other youth programs, showing they're serious about support. Narewec announced these plans during an orientation week at the Mapex training institute, where 131 young people from the district will get sponsored training.

Madang police have confirmed a tragic incident in Bogia District, Papua New Guinea, where five individuals, including a woman whose head was severed, lost their lives. Additionally, four people sustained injuries, and twenty houses were set ablaze. According to Acting Superintendent Robert Baim, Provincial Police Commander, the violence ensued when six armed men intercepted a passing motor canoe along the Ramu River. Believing the passengers were carrying vanilla and cocoa money, the armed group capsized the vessel, plunging all occupants into the water. Despite realizing their mistake, the armed men retreated to Korkam boat stop, leading to a confrontation with the passengers. What started as a disagreement over the capsized boat quickly escalated into a violent clash involving youths from neigh boring villages. In a disturbing turn, residents of Dakit and Guaia villages became targets of the violence, with even mothers and infants falling victim to the brutality. Tragically, a village court magistrate from Guaia was shot dead, and his body was disposed of in the river. Retaliation swiftly followed, with villagers from Guaia launching a counterattack on Kumnung village, resulting in widespread destruction. Law enforcement authorities from Madang Headquarters moved quickly to contain the unrest, apprehending, and detaining six suspects from the initial altercation. Community cooperation played a crucial role in this effort. Efforts to restore peace are underway, with both sides engaging in dialogue and expressing willingness to surrender suspects and lay down arms. Despite the challenges, signs of progress are emerging, bolstered by ongoing police patrols and a collective desire for reconciliation. Superintendent Baim expressed gratitude to the Minister for Energy and Member of Parliament for Bogia, Robert Naguri, and the District Development Authority (DDA) for their swift response, which facilitated police intervention. He emphasized the importance of collaboration among Madang's leaders to effectively serve the community and ensure the people receive the assistance they need.

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