The Indagen community in the Kabwum District of Morobe Province will be the first community to use a fully-kitted modular clinic that is designed for set up in remote locations in Papua New Guinea.
The modular or portable clinic is designed to be easily transported and reassembled at a remote location where there is a high demand for health care services.
The structure comes in two 20foot fabricated container units, with roof on top for solar energy supply. One is an outpatient unit, where examinations and minor treatments can be performed, and the second unit is designed to support births, minor surgeries, and the care of critical patients.
It is the initiative of Katim Tasol, a non-government organisation formed with the goal to see “Reachable Quality Health Care for each and every community in rural Papua New Guinea.”
Manager of Katim Tasol and Surgeon, Dr Simon Ganal said the clinic is specifically designed for remote PNG communities, and to provide treatment for common health care problems.
It's features include;
Minor Surgical Unit: Obstetrics and other minor surgeries can be done with the use of surgical light, high-powered suction, vacuum extraction and sterilisation.
Oxygen Production: Through oxygen concentrators, oxygen can be produced and administered to multiple patients simultaneously.
Neonatal Care: Treatment of baby using resuscitation equipment, paediatric infusion pumps, and phototherapy.
Patient Stabilisation: Stabilising critical patients with intensive care monitoring and adaptive airway management.
Diagnostic Capabilities: Enabling early detection and diagnosis of various health conditions through the use of quality portable diagnostic equipment from Germany.
Remote Consultations: Connecting healthcare providers with specialists in urban areas via VSAT and Starlink services.
Power Generation: Through quality solar equipment sourced from Germany.
The prototype of the clinic was set up at the Manolos Aviation Ltd heliport in Lae, and was launched by the Governor for Morobe, Luther Wenge, on Saturday November 02nd.
The soft launch, showcased the clinic structure to guests including Morobe Provincial Government representatives, led by the Governor, senior management from the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (MoPHA), Tewai-Siassi District Development Authority (DDA), Huon Gulf District Health Department, ELC-PNG, and members of the Lae media.
In the coming weeks, a dedicated team will transport the clinic to Indagen village, where it will be reassembled, commissioned, and finally opened for the community's use.
The project is a testament to tireless collaboration. A dedicated team of volunteers from Germany and Papua New Guinea, played a crucial role in making this dream a reality.
Several speakers at the event underscored the significance of the project. As one speaker aptly stated, "this project is timely and addresses the need present in every community: a proper healthcare infrastructure for rural communities in Papua New Guinea."
The Lighthouse Rural Clinic Project is a beacon of hope, bridging the gap in access to quality healthcare services at the community level.
This project marks a new era for rural communities, one where healthcare is no longer a distant dream but a readily accessible reality.
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