Clinic celebrates 10 years of service

The St. Paul’s Clinic in the Moresby North West’s Gerehu Suburb celebrated its 10 years of service to the people last Friday.

Despite several break-ins and staff assault and harassment recently, the clinic and its staff have weathered these challenges providing much needed vital medical services to those nearby, and from Central and Gulf provinces.

Traditional singing and dancing attended by the church and key partner representatives, were held to mark this anniversary and reflect on the clinic’s journey.

Between 28 to 30 thousand patients each year, with about 800-1000 seen each month.

Officer in Charge Sr. Gracey Panakkal reflected on the clinic’s journey highlighting a need for increased manpower for its primary and integrated services provision.

Catholic Church Health Services Manager Sr. Geraldine Arua says the clinic provides primary health care including integrated care for HIV and a first of its kind Youth adolescent advocacy program.

While expressing gratitude to its partners both from the health department and AUSAID and Fhi360, Sr. Geraldine says they would like to see more nurses recruited and extend their services to include an x-ray and birthing facility among others.

The clinic opened in 2015 through a K1.5 million joint funding by the Australian and PNG Government.

Youths recognised

Youths at the Stage 6 area of Gerehu, in the nation’s capital were presented certificates of recognition and references for their work in protecting the St. Paul’s clinic since its reopening last December.

They were part of a 60-day community watch initiative following several break ins, assaults and harrasments of the clinic staff.

St. Paul’s Primary School Board Management Representative Sebastian Nianfop commended and thanked the youths for their help in maintaining watch over the clinic and ensuring its smooth daily operations: