WE ARE NOT READY FOR EBOLA By Genesis KETAN The National Health Department held a meet today with stakeholders from the World Health Organization, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Ports and Airports Authority, the Airlines Industry, Border Control Authority and other organizations. This was to formulate an action plan for our country to address the Ebola virus and the possibility of its emergence into PNG. Given the numerous presentations today one fact remained painfully obvious, our National Government and the Health Department in particular is not ready for the deadly Ebola. This was from the NDOH Executive Manager Public Health Dr Sibauk Bieb in response to questions raised by the media on the level of national preparedness. “Although we are at low risk of contracting Ebola, we will still begin measures of dialogue for screening and quarantine at the ports of entry.” “At this moment, Dr Bieb added WHO and DFAT stand ready and willing to assist however; we lack the expertise, technical manpower and the facilities, to cater for the treatment and testing of Ebola.” Meanwhile, it is understood that following a visit to the Port Moresby General Hospital, there are no quarantine areas for suspected cases. “Given the state of renovations at the hospital, there is no space for the isolation wards at this time.” “My associates and I will next look at the Tarauma Hospital to seek military assistance for isolation ward construction.” Dr Bieb further issued the warning that this means if we were to encounter and Ebola case today, we would be headed for disaster. “We are nowhere near to ready with just dialogue and plans at this stage so it is a great concern.”
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 08:27:04 +0000
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