Samarai-Murua delivers medical supplies

Samarai-Murua MP Isi Henry Leonard has delivered basic medical supplies to Misima District Hospital, emphasizing that access to essential medicine is critical as the district faces the impacts of El Niño.

Leonard presented the supplies during the country’s 51st Independence Anniversary celebrations at Bwagoia station on Misima Island.

Misima District Hospital is among numerous health facilities across Papua New Guinea facing severe drug shortages.

The nationwide crisis has forced many hospitals and health centers to scale down operations, attend only to severe cases, and direct patients to purchase drugs at commercial pharmacies.

Leonard said his district administration stepped in to ensure local health facilities received urgent support.

"I am not shy to mention this, because it leads us to step up and continue supporting this hospital. We need to transform it into a proper facility," the local MP said.

"For now, we are delivering what this aircraft can carry. We have basic drugs here to support our patients and the community within the district."

Deputy District Health Administrator Serah Joseph thanked the MP for the intervention, stating that acquiring medicine through standard government procurement channels remains difficult.

"Drugs have been an ongoing problem nationwide. Even through normal processes of getting it from the government, it is really challenging," Ms Joseph said.

Leonard reaffirmed that healthcare remains a top priority for the Samarai-Murua District Development Authority [DDA], pledging continued support to ensure residents have access to basic healthcare.