The East Sepik Provincial Health Authority (ESPHA) continues to strive in delivering health services across the province, with most facilities currently operational this festive season despite the usual challenges.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Mathew Mongolap, said all health facilities are open and efforts are underway to reopen and establish more aid posts to cater for rural communities.

“There is only one facility that remains closed in the Ambunti/Drekikir district which was burnt down during the 2022 election conflicts,” he said.

Dr. Mongolap revealed that the province currently operates 98 aid posts, with a target to expand to 250.

He also confirmed that East Sepik is not experiencing the widespread drug shortages affecting some other provinces. This is because the PHA recently signed an agreement with City Pharmacy to provide medicines not available in hospitals.

“Doctors are advised to write prescriptions for patients to collect their needed supplies from City Pharmacy,” he said.

He said in addition to this, several international partners are also supporting the province by providing supplies outside the regular supply chain.

Dr. Mongolap said the province received Baby Bundles from the Highlands Foundation to assist mothers coming in to give birth.

Currently, 51 health facilities and 98 aid posts across East Sepik are operating and serving the population. However, he noted that tribal conflicts in some districts continue to hinder the implementation of health projects, although teams still try their best to reach affected communities.

Dr. Mongolap added that the provincial staff ceiling stands at 1,642, which includes about 39 doctors.