Article published on behalf of CBM-UK (a Humanitarian Centre member organisation)
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The lives of people with disabilities in Papua New Guinea have been impacted by the waves of the Japanese tsunami.
CBM Physiotherapist Jane Tompsett, who is based in Papua New Guinea, has described how the tsunami waves that were triggered by Japan’s earthquake, have damaged a CBM partner hospital in Wewak.
“There is now no pharmacy. Drugs were washed away, there’s no medical records left, no kitchens, no back-up generator and no mortuary. It is sad to see the peeling paint and rotten boards everywhere” - Jane Tompsett, CBM Physiotherapist
Tsunami damaged walls at the Borum Hospital, Papua New Guinea. © CBM-UK / Callan Services
British-born Jane, has been providing essential care and training to people in Papua New Guinea since 2009 and is one of a line of CBM co-workers who have been based in the country with local partner Callan Services.
“One mum delivering twins delivered the second one with the two remaining nurses ankle deep in water”.
With the hospital badly water damaged, it is now shut, except for emergency cases, and patients are diverted to local clinics or Maprick Hospital.
Papua New Guinean physiotherapist Joyce Nali and her colleagues are attempting to keep the Physiotherapy Department open in the mornings in order to provide much needed treatment and rehabilitation.
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Links
CBM-UK’s work in Papua New Guinea
Photos of recent flooding in Wewak, Papua New Guinea
