Bulolo District Hospital, a level four healthcare facility, is grappling with a severe shortage of medical personnel, hindering its ability to serve the urban population of 9, 000 and patients from the Menyama and Wau-Waria Districts of Morobe province.
Despite having essential medical equipment, including a standard laboratory, an X-ray machine, and an ultrasound machine since 2019, the lack of qualified doctors and technicians has left these facilities largely underutilized.
Currently staffed by only 18 health workers, the hospital falls short of the 25 personnel, including at least one doctor, required to meet the healthcare needs of the region effectively.
This staffing deficiency is exacerbated by the infrequency of rural doctor visits, with only one visit recorded this year and none in the previous year.
Dr. Kipas Binga, CEO of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority, emphasized the urgent need to make Bulolo District Hospital fully operational to support patients from neighbouring districts.
Additionally, two health clinics, each costing nearly K10 million and funded by Defat, remain underutilized due to a lack of midwives necessary for childbirth services.
In response to these challenges, local MP Sam Basil Jnr has provided a mobile clinic vehicle to the hospital.
Inspired by his personal experience with his mother’s successful battle against cervical cancer, this mobile clinic aims to enhance cancer screening and detection efforts.
Efforts to improve healthcare services in the region remain ongoing, but addressing the staffing crisis is essential for the hospital to operate at full capacity and serve the community adequately.