As people of Mulitaka area of Porgera-Paiela District in Enga Province were still in a state of despair and sorrow from the natural disaster, Dr. Sam Yockopua, one of their own sons returned back home as a beacon of hope and source of strength as he donated medical supplies and spent time with them from 12th-14th June 2024.
Dr. Yockopua donated 23 cartons of medical supplies weighing 260kg, estimated nearly K60,000 consisting of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, pain killers, ointments and povidone-iodine, bandages and plasters, and other supplies.
The donation was presented at Mulitaka Health Centre (MHC) witnessed by representatives of Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and was received by HEO OIC Andrew Noho.
While receiving the donation, OIC Noho said, “We have been struggling with medical supplies for some time, and when the disaster struck us, we were also faced a medical supplies disaster.”
“Your generous help will go a long way, not only here but all those surrounding communities as far as Nete, Lyaim, Yalyaim, and even Porgera area because the roadblock has also affected them.”
While handing over the much-needed supplies, Dr Yockopua requested the Enga PHA to distribute supplies to all the health facilities in the affected communities including those in Tumundan, Porgera and Paiela.
He also requested for reopening of Porgera District Hospital and upgrading and revitalizing of MHC given this opportunity.
Dr. Yockopua acknowledged those who assisted in making this humanitarian work possible, which included Borneo Pacific Pharmaceuticals (22 cartons), CS Pharmacy Limited (1 carton), Air Niugini for free air freight POM-Hagen, Enga Provincial Government and Enga PHA for logistics support.
“Even with my willing heart and mindset to help those in need, without their support, it would not have been possible”, Dr. Yockopua said.
Dr. Yockopua also spent some time teaching health workers on some basic Disaster Management in Health and how to recognize secondary waves of health problems.
He has also planned to return a few days later to run specific training in collaboration with the National Department of Health and other stakeholders in Health.
During the time, as their own educated elite, Dr. Yockopua spent some time with the local leaders who were heading the disaster relief coordination to resolve matters amicably to find common grounds.
The Chairman of the local affected community, former Council President Jaman Yandam thanked Dr. Yockopua not only for the much-needed medical supplies, but also mediating the process between his committee and Enga Provincial Government.
“Many of these things, we did not know how to do it. As a result, we were hitting brick walls and frustrating ourselves.”
“Now that our leader and doctor has intervened, the Provincial Government understands us, and we too understand them.”
“We will find common grounds to meet the customary obligations as our number one priority before we allow the road to be re-opened and normalcy to resume”, said Mr. Yandam.
Dr. Yockopua is now preparing to return with second wave of medical supplies, health training, and attend the customary obligation of “haus-krai” removal, and mitigate solutions for the way forward.