THE shortage of medical workers in Malaita Province has affected some of the province’s health services to its people.
A source with the Malaita Province Health Division said the shortage of medical workers has forced the province to temporarily close some clinics in the province.
One of the clinics currently temporarily closed since the beginning of this year is Areo Clinic in West Kwara’ae.
Communities in the area earlier this year called on the provincial health authority to quickly reopen the clinic because people had to travel long distances to Kilu’ufi Hospital and Auki Clinic for treatment.
However, a visit by Solomon Star yesterday to the area found that the clinic is still closed.
A woman spoken to said those who are very sick had to spend money to travel to the closest clinic or hospital.
“Why is it taking too long for this clinic to reopen?” the concerned woman said.
A village elder said the clinic is still with drugs and medical equipment but its long closure means that these medical supplies had to be checked properly before use if the clinic is reopened.
“We are worried that the drugs and medical supplies in the clinic may be expired already.
“Currently there are some medicines still left in the clinic these medicines need to be protected in a suitable environment as well,” the village elder said.
Kilu’ufi Hospital acting nursing director Richard Maegerea said the nurse who used to look after Areo Clinic has been transferred to look after another clinic.
Mr Maegerea said the nurse’s replacement is in the Malaita Outer Islands still waiting for transport to travel to Auki.
“We are still waiting for the nurse to arrive here. As soon as the nurse arrives, the clinic should reopen,”Mr Maegerea said.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
In AUKI