Clinic hosts PNG healthcare workers

BY GILBERT GARDINER

A DANDENONG rehabilitation clinic is helping young people in drug and alcohol ravaged parts of PNG.

Pinelodge Clinic is hosting the first visit - of what’s hoped will be many - of outreach workers from the Rohanoka Centre in Wewak.

Brother Larry Wamugl [pictured] is on a three-month placement learning about addiction management and mental illness.

Substance abuse is a problem for young people in PNG and is impacting heavily on their mental, sexual and physical health, Br Wamugl said.

He said poverty is rife, with only 40% of people having access to clean water and sanitation.

PNG also has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS in the Pacific region.

Pinelodge Clinic chief executive officer Graham Cadd said a recent trip to PNG was the catalyst for the exchange program.

“I was struck by the poverty and lack of healthcare facilities in Wewak, but it’s amazing what the brothers there have achieved.

“Meeting Br Larry and the young people who use the Rohanoka service, gave me a strong desire to use the services and professionals at Pinelodge to help support and develop it.”

Source: Dandenong Leader