A remote community in Papua New Guinea (PNG) now has a clinic, thanks in part to Elis Andrew, a local woman who had a dream of healthcare for her community.
The Tomba Community Health Post officially opened on June 8 after 13 years of campaigning, talking and hard work. It is a joint project of the local community, Adopt a Clinic, Western Highlands Mission, PNG State Church partnership and the provincial government.
The complex comprises a delivery and emergency room, a day ward, outpatient treatment room, a pharmacy, storerooms and three staff houses.
The complex comprises a delivery and emergency room, a day ward, outpatient treatment room, a pharmacy, storerooms and three staff houses.
Built by a local tradesperson, this clinic will be managed by the Western Highlands Mission in cooperation with the provincial government and staffed by a nurse/midwife and two community health workers with support staff.
A local businessman donated a Toyota LandCruiser for the use of the clinic.
The opening was attended by the Governor of the Western Highlands Province, Pias Winti, PNG Union Mission Health director Gad Koito and South Pacific Division representative Dr Paul Rankin.
Ms Andrew is not finished yet as she dreams of the Tomba Health Clinic becoming a district hospital.
