Esa’ala counter funds medicine for district

Esa’ala District has been praised for its continued effort to support pharmaceutical supplies to its health centers.

This week, the Esa’ala District Development Authority dispersed yet another batch of medical supplies they had purchased under the advice of the Milne Bay Health Authority to the district for its operating health facilities.

CEO Milne Bay Health Authority Dr Perista Mamadi admits Esa’ala District has a structured approach to their priorities, health a major one for them.

Acting District Administrator Sale Nop confirmed this is their third batch of medical supplies purchased under this arrangement, adding it was decided because there were gaps that needed improving in the medicine supply system from the area medical store in Port Moresby to health centers, a function by the Department of Health, instead of complaining, they were proactive about helping where they could.

Dr Mamadi meantime revealed there’s a similar arrangement with Esa’ala District also for their health infrastructure, they’ve parked K2.8 million with the Milne Bay Health Authority who together, have seen maintenance and upgrade work so far.

Mr Nop from the district confirms among them, the major works to Esa’ala District Hospital to its three wards at a cost of K700,000 under this arrangement, buildings left condemned for a good few years, compounded by rising sea levels, now given a new lease of life.

The partnership was forged with MBPHA this term under the leadership of Esa’ala MP Jimmy Maladina.