Solomon Islander health worker addresses difficulty faced by locals
The couple health worker who are currently working at the Malau Health Center at Big Bay have addressed some of the set backs the locals there are facing and why they need more proper health facilities at such areas.
It’s not very easy for people living at the coastal areas starting from Malau right to the long Santo Point at Hokua. These people sometimes faced very hard moments especially for mothers who facing difficulties with birth but there were no proper facilities in place for them.
Hilary Toloka the health worker at Malau Health Center at Big Bay who is from the Solomons was very depressed and said, “Malau Health Center has been struggling over the years since establishment of this clinic.
“This has been reflected when I took up responsibilities late July 2011.
“The clinic was in total disorganization without a clinic committee.
“My malaria microscope has been moved place to place for suitable space to perform this work, as well as the current overcrowding state of our clinic building.
“A mother from Piarao was in labor, she never attended any Antenatal Clinic, and she had to hire an outboard motor to Malau Health Center that cost Vt7000, she was attended by Mid-wife and was diagnosed to have twins, both were transverse, we decided that she be referred to Luganville Hospital for an obstetrician to review. During that time the Clinic outboard motor was at fault, she had to look for another boat to hire costing Vt4, 500 to Matantus, there was no medical truck so she has to hire truck from Matantas to Luganville hospital cost Vt10, 000.
“Upon her discharge from hospital she has to pay hospital fees Vt3000 and spent some money on food for relatives who accompanied her to hospital.
“Totaling all the cost incurred plus return, this would cost her roughly about Vt60, 000. Such amount is too far beyond what is affordable for the poor mother in and any mother in Big Bay would rather choose to give birth at home despite being informed of risks of giving birth at home.
“And that the very tune of WHO shouted aloud “Health for all” is just word on our terms.”
Print
E-Mail
