Gerehu Hospital - a death trap facility

By PETER MEMAFU

 

Since moving back to Port Moresby in late February 2010, the deaths that occur within the new Gerehu hospital seem to be endless and I as someone who lives around the area needed to express my concerns for the appropriate authorities to act on the matter as soon as possible.

The point I am trying to make is that in the first two weeks after arriving in Port Moresby I counted almost eight deaths (one almost every day) and on one particular day (within 24 hours) there were four deaths – one death in the morning, one in the afternoon and two during the night.

There have been cases where people who were barely alive and were still fighting for their lives were simply pronounced dead when they were brought here. (…but who is qualified to actually pronounce people dead when they are brought in?) There were even cases that people who were still alive could not be attended to and so the verdict is to simply pronounce them dead and have their relative take them home and prepare them for burial.

It would seem that all these deaths happening at the Gerehu hospital seem to occur very frequently and almost every week too. I believe that this can only conclude that the medical staff who work there are either so negligent in their duties or simply are not qualified enough to work as professional hospital staff. 

Saint John’s personnel who are contracted by the Health Department to manage the hospital don’t seem to be any qualified than the doctors, nurses and/or other professionals who work at the Port Moresby General hospital and within the provinces.

I also hear that the highest level of any medical personnel you get here at the Gerehu hospital is maybe health extension officers, a nurse or a sister.  Not once did I notice a doctor or a surgical specialist or a professional working in this hospital.

My wife was sick one day and I decided to take her there at around 5am in the early hours of the morning and sat and waited thinking that since there was hardly anyone around we would get served and treated. To our surprise there were staff members there but not even one came to serve us or attended to our needs.

We continued to wait and remained there un-attended until 8.30am when the hospital started to fill up with the public and still we did not get served.  In the end I simply gave and took my wife to a private medical facility only to pay more so that I could get some attention and get her treated

Secretary Health, please do something about the frequent deaths that occur here or get someone qualified persons to manage and oversee the services of the Gerehu Hospital immediately.

Prime Minister wrong to shoot the messenger, says ACT NOW!

PORT MORESBY: ACT NOW! has criticised the Prime Minister’s decision to force the resignation of Attorney General, Dr Alan Marat.

Effrey Dademo, programme manager, says: “By forcing the Attorney-General to resign, the Prime Minister is sending a very negative signal to other Ministers and to the people of PNG."

Dr Marat was forced to resign last Tuesday after he spoke out against the government's proposed changes to the powers of the Ombudsman Commission; questioned the benefits that would flow from the LNG project; and, the wisdom of allowing the Ramu and Solwara 1 mines to dump waste in the sea.

“In speaking out on these issues, the Attorney General was voicing the opinions and fears of the people of PNG," Ms Dademo says.

“The Prime Minister should listen to what the people are saying and respond to their concerns rather than shooting the messenger. That sends totally the wrong message. It says the PM does not care about the people”

“Act Now! would like to remind the PM and all MPs that Parliament exists to represent the people, not to force grand ideas on us that may make our leaders and foreign companies richer but will not benefit the people.”

For further information and comment contact Effrey Dademo on 7689 5266 and at effrey@actnowpng.org

 

 

Government needs to audit its defence force

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

It is time the Government audits the Papua New Guinea Defence Force.

 Since independence, the PNGDF still has many challenges. 

The current state of hibernation is a result of constant failures by successive administration over the years.  

Today, the whole defence organisation has seriously eroded its institutional capacity to an unacceptable level and is in danger of being like the rest of PNG’s dysfunctional public service.   

In recent years, several citizens have expressed concerns for our government to start seriously addressing our national security situation. 

 The situation today is as apart from the government's constant lip-service, it has for some time now undermined PNG's national security for many years.

 It has failed to ensure our defence force is appropriately equipped to effectively carry our core functions well.

The present state of affairs in the military clearly demonstrates a lack of a long-term vision by successive governments.

 More so, successive defence administration has done little to address in any substantial way its ongoing deficiencies in a more holistic approach. 

So besides auditing the military, which all state agencies should also be subjected to; the government needs to look at its national security 'big picture'. 

 Here we must ensure defence policy compliments foreign policy and ask what does the government expects the PNGDF to do in future? 

The government should do this taking into account PNG’s enduring strategic circumstances, and the national resources at our disposal. 

The challenge is now before the Defence Ministry and should include concerned members of the public to have an input into the formulation of both new defence and foreign policy framework through the media, and other appropriate public forums.  

A proper independent audit is required and the way to do this properly is systematic self-appraisals regularly carried out during both the commander's tour of duty and the Defence secretary's term of office.  

The Defence secretary and commander can always do an ongoing audit process as a continuous improvement strategy. 

This must be done as a routine process of Defence's total quality management corporate policy.  

So at every occasion of handing over command of the defence force to a new commander and the department to a new secretary, the government through the Ministry would always be up to date on the overall health, and or state of its national security regime.

In this way, over time; the PNG government will systematically make the required improvements to defence.   

Furthermore, the government must start thinking in new ways to initiate some policy intervention measures to allow its military in being best placed for positive development outcomes in future.  

Here, we also need to look now at out present disposition and analyse whether relocating key assets to areas will greatly enhance our homeland security better.  

The Ministry must now put out a new defence white paper with a revised reform programme mandated by the defence department under the auspices of the secretary.   This must ensure all planned programs and activities for the Ministry are properly budgeted for, and not done in a somewhat ad hoc manner as has been the norm in recent times.  

In this way, the PNGDF will be more appropriately resourced. 

PNG must now increase its manpower ceiling to meet the country's internal security and development needs as well as the protection of its territorial sovereignty, and resources.

Defence - looking at new manpower options

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

Papua New Guinea’s future security can be enhanced through having improved internal security networks.   

In recent years some academics and media pundits have suggested abolishing the PNG Defence Force as one future solution for the government.

 All these critics fail to articulate clearly what this will solve; or even mean for PNG.  

Whether this will be viable is something for PNG to decide. 

If the government does decide in future to make this tough 'judgement call', then the government must be fully prepared to protect its future national interests in the best way it can. 

Despite its short-comings, the PNGDF like any military; is a noble profession of arms.

A country's armed force is a necessary instrument of state politics.

Since history, the military has provided governments some kind of comprehensive insurance policy to defend its national interests. 

Throughout the ages, the world over has had standing security forces to serve the state's purposes. 

This will remain so, as long as people are inclined to the application of force to solve their social problems. 

For as long as man has existed, people have been fighting forever.

 The fighting will go on forever.

 To think you can stop people fighting by taking away their weapons is an infantile notion to get much support in this country. 

The government has proven this for years. 

However, I am sure that one day, we will in our own way find a way around this universal problem.           

Defence has several functions. 

The PNGDF elements carry out various security roles and specific tasks relating to: surveillance and response, monitoring, enforcement and interdiction missions, maritime law enforcement/coastguard tasks, border patrols, intelligence collation and dissemination, aid to the civil community, civic action tasks/nation building, remote area medical patrols, coast-watch duties, search and rescue, "mercy missions", showing the flag in remote maritime localities, ambassadorial good-will visits by ships, peace support operations with neighbours, etc). 

Its span of diversified responsibilities simultaneously overlap into agencies like: police, fisheries, customs, health, environment and conservation, foreign and provincial affairs, works and transport departments, provincial and community governments, and so on. 

At present manning levels, the PNGDF is not at its minimum credible ceiling to satisfactorily meet ongoing missions.

 Today, the PNGDF is grossly under manned with many hollow operational units as a result of enforced reductions across the board.

 The fact is defence's regular manpower ceilings are too low. 

The pool of well-trained, junior officers, junior non-commissioned officers and other key personnel is too small, and therefore, defence must now look at new manpower options. 

Papua New Guinea economy must be diversified

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

Papua New Guinea must diversify its economy. 

The government must plan now to look well beyond the "minerals boom" and target critical areas of renewable resource sectors of the country’s economy. 

The way to do it is we carefully analyse future patterns of economic growth and opportunity, and adapt innovative approaches to financing, building, operations and wealth creation for our people. 

More importantly; the government must be serious about diversifying our economy and put the whole nation to work, revitalising itself and industry (private sector). 

PNG has some of the world's richest natural resources.

The country's natural beauty, culture and lifestyle could make it a great place to live, work, visit and do business.

 Yet, since independence; successive governments at all levels have mismanaged our assets and squandered many good opportunities. 

The consequences are widespread and increasing unemployment (and under-employment), very-low incomes, a high-tax economy, substantial urban migration, below - standard services, and a big national debt.

I believe one of parliament's future objectives is to commit its full resources towards key areas of national concerns aimed at achieving sustainable development.

 Thus, a bipartisan approved growth plan is needed with clear broad-based strategies specifically targeted at certain critical areas to transform PNG into a prosperous, progressive and united country. 

Future development strategies must be periodically reviewed to specifically target areas that will sustainably grow our economy, create jobs and support small businesses. 

PNG is now well overdue in reforming its political system; get its economic fundamentals right and meaningfully reward people for working hard for their country. 

Most political parties have similar policies that can be juxtaposed and refined to ensure a viable growth framework including a range of key national issues crossing many portfolio areas. 

To incorporate this, the government must work really hard to create new job opportunities and put more money into the pockets of those who need it most.

An important future outcome now is placing great emphasis on our people getting more widely - distributed benefits from the development of their natural resources.

As part of PNG’s national security strategy of creating a stable and secure country, every citizen must be fully committed to re-build the whole nation.

A new more realistic vision is needed to deal with many problems by applying rational and intelligent policies to our traditional resource industries.

The government must now have a realistic plan and a new leadership approach to bring about a major change.

This strategy for change must critically target growth in small and medium business, tourism, informational technology, fishery, forest, marine and the agriculture sector industries. 

A good development plan should be rooted in solid economic fundamentals focused on promoting small business development, better economic infrastructure, innovative and product diversification, expanding trade, sustainable resource management, a healthy environment, a highly skilled workforce, a competitive, fair and broad-based tax system, and sound fiscal management.

 The country’s growth strategy must also strengthen government structures, and cabinet decision-making processes to make our government function more efficiently for its citizens. 

PNG's national security lies in her economic, scientific and technology base, albeit limited, and does not necessarily depend on her wealth alone. 

All economic development investment must be smart investments based on thorough strategic planning. 

Such planning must further encourage private investments by opening up new markets, and providing our people with affordable education and health – to mention a few.  

The world's pace of technological development has become so rapid that if we do not keep up in our awareness or knowledge are bound to miss the boat.

 This only results in a country losing the economic war without even fighting the enemy. 

In today's global business sense, by the time we realise we are in trouble it is too late to save ourselves.  We have no choice but save ourselves in a world shaped by globalisation and the information revolution. 

The new PNG leadership approach must be aware of this double-edged global threat. There are basically two options for the future: we adapt or die (highly uncompetitive). 

The winners will be those who capitalise quickly in the changing opportunities and the challenge for PNG is to move early and innovate often.

 I envisage the future to provide us with many windows of wealth opportunities for every citizen so we have to better plan to maximise PNG's future prospects of surviving a global economic war. 

Stop fish poaching by foreigners

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

Papua New Guinea loses millions of kina worth of fish and other marine resources every year through illegal poaching by foreign fishing vessels. 

Despite numerous public complaints and media reports of illegal fishing activities in our waters, such activities still continues. 

An effective response action is urgently needed as time is running out for many fish stocks.  

PNG needs immediate measures to deter illegal fishing by foreigners.

What the country must adopt is an effective collective action from relevant agencies to safeguard its resources for future generations. 

Let's find some improved solutions to this. 

We can do this several ways. 

Let's start by having more surveillance crafts and set up an effective national coast guard service to carry out effective resource protection all year around. 

National maritime surveillance of our archipelagic waters out to extent of 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone can be greatly enhanced where vast distances are involved. 

As apart from pre-positioning ships in strategic locations and achieving good synergy by the use of aircrafts to augment overall surveillance coverage, including periodical home-porting of ships in key maritime provinces; having forward operations naval bases is a future solution. 

This will improve surveillance efforts dramatically in catching foreign vessels found illegally fishing. 

Naval forward bases will also mean better fuel consumption for ships and a much reduced response times with a better coverage of distances involved. 

The Defense Ministry must establish forward operations bases from strategic locations in Western, Milne Bay, New Guinea Islands and in northern waters towards the Western islands region of the Admiralty group. 

Presently, the Manus patrol boat base and Port Moresby landing craft base somewhat limits surveillance coverage by our two maritime squadrons to respond effectively to their offshore tapestry protection duties.

 Therefore, having strategic and smaller forward bases will see better results in the arrest of foreign fishing vessels due to improved surveillance coverage. 

The government must programme into its long term development strategy the setting up of suitable forward naval operational bases within the next five years. 

A forward operation base at Bwagawaia Harbour on beautiful Misima Island in the eastern Papua region, and one in Western province mainland with perhaps another in Pomio, Wide Bay area of the East New Britain province in the New Guinea region. 

The major advantage will be for the PNGDF's maritime element (navy) to effectively project its forward presence better in response to illegal marine activities. 

When the economy improves over time then additional surveillance platforms (ships and aircrafts) and other support assets can be systematically acquired by the government. 

This is a big "SOS" call for the PNG government to ensure collective action by key agencies to safeguard the country's rich marine resources. 

If PNG fails to do this now, than it is just a matter of time before our rich marine resources will be completely fished out by foreigner fishermen.

 The reality today is that, many foreign fishing nations have already completely depleted their fish stocks in their own waters, so are now poaching in PNG's rich marine resources with much impunity.     

Islands of fun in Papua New Guinea's paradise lost

By Ilya Gridneff, AAP Papua New Guinea Correspondent

MILNE BAY, PNG, AAP - Papua New Guinea's Culture and Tourism Minister laughs at my inquiry then politely tells me to "keep dreaming".
It was a simple question inspired by my island-hopping adventure in his home province of Milne Bay. "Who do I speak to about buying one of Milne Bay's 2000 islands?" I ask in between slurps from a fresh coconut.
Charles Abel, the member for Milne Bay's centre of Alotau, has more than a 100-year family history in this southeastern tip of PNG.
He ruefully retorts he doesn't want to see the region's standards plummet with me as a new constituent.
"Speak to the landowners, it's not a simple purchase, I am not sure you can simply buy an island," he says.
"But if you want to build a resort on one, well, it's a long process we can talk about.
"We have big plans to turn this region into a tourist hub," he says pointing out to the surrounding crystal blue sea.
Milne Bay is already a destination for cruise ships that sail around the islands stretching hundreds of kilometres north and east.
Most of the island groups' names come from an armada of early explorers from as far back as 1660 who set sail through this intricate tapestry now known as the Trobriands, Woodlark, Laughlan, Louisiade Archipelago and the D'Entrecasteau islands.
In a cluster of islands just outside Milne Bay's `China Straits,' is Kwato, about three kilometres east of what was the region's provincial centre, Samarai, first established in 1888.
 Kwato is where the tourism minister's great grandfather Charles Abel settled as one of the first white men in the province circa 1891.
Charles Abel (senior) helped build a church that proudly sits on top of the Kwato's hill and provides spectacular panoramic views of what typifies the `Pacific experience'.
Abel is famed for breaking from his London Missionary Society and championing the local people by teaching practical skills. Ever since those tumultuous early days the Abel family has been an institution throughout Milne Bay and the rest of PNG.
Nowadays when navigating on our small dingy there is an impression of lost time, of a place where not much has changed since the volcanoes left a landscape that looks like a sprinkling of the earth's last crumbs.
Turquoise sea and white sandy beaches with the occasional local paddling a traditional canoe takes up much of the vista as we dart along the water island hopping.
On Samarai the old Colonial memory of the administration lingers in buildings and decaying houses now occupied by locals and their algorithm of family networks cohabiting what was once a hive of activity.Both Kwato and Samarai are incredible spots as living histories, remnants of a past era long gone but not too far away.
All this is a simple excursion depending on how much fuel you've got or how much time you can afford to find paradise lost.
 Driftwood Resort, more an oasis than resort, is a handful of boutique bungalows sitting on Milne Bay's shore and is the perfect place to relax or use as a hub for island activities.
Serenity is at Driftwood's core and it is ideal for those who may want to rekindle something special or mend the body, mind and soul.
Friendly hotel staff organise island adventures or can arrange, for the history buffs, tours of Milne Bay's World War II legacy and the battle sites that saw Japan's first land defeat.
Their fishing tours and excursions to surrounding villages are also well worth the effort.
Driftwood's scenic jetty and quality restaurant is the place to unwind and do nothing. Just watch it all go by. Sunsets or sunrises.
And after these tough days it is recommended to visit the bar for an array of colourful cocktails.
Then there is Tawali dive resort, about an hour's drive east from Alotau, where scuba divers from around the world flock to what is considered some of the globe's most abundant and versatile coral reefs.
Milne Bay is safe, simple and well catered for those in search of a pacific paradise that has not been trampled by tourists or tour operators.
Regular flights from PNG's capital Port Moresby to Alotau mean you can bounce from one of the world's most unliveable cities straight to what is considered PNG's most peaceful province.
As another sun sets on Milne Bay the drinks have shifted from coconuts to the famous South Pacific lager, the popular brew simply known as `SP'.
I badger the tourism minister for a discount if I commit to setting up several `offices' in Milne Bay.
"Keep dreaming," Abel repeats with a chuckle.
"I am," I say.
And it is, Milne Bay is a dream.
IF YOU GO:
There are regular flights to Papua New Guinea from Australia by Air Niugini or Virgin Pacific Blue
From Port Moresby to Alotau regular flights by Air Niugini or Airlines PNG operate
Visit: www.airniugini.com.pg; www.airlinespng.com.pg.
Travel Services: Call: 675-320-2468 or email: admin@travelservices.com.pg.
Driftwood Resort, Alotau. Visit: www.driftwoodpng.com; call: 675-641-0098; 675-323-1920.
Cost: Per night: garden bungalow $A260, waterfront bungalow $A320.