THE laboratory facility at the Popondetta General Hospital needs an urgent upgrade to cater for increased number of samples to be tested given the current reported corona virus cases for Northern, an official says.
Oro provincial administrator Trevor Magei said the current facility was too small and had a high risk of contamination that could affect its operation and the testing of other diseases.
Magei said this was jeopardising its operation and they were concerned and so swab samples were being sent to Port Moresby for testing which does not suit the current scenario.
“We will continue to convene our Provincial Covid-19 Advisory Committee meetings to address some of the issues we are faced with, identify gaps and continue to provide details to partners at the national level to assist where they can.
“My aim is to get the Northern Provincial Health Authority to improve this facility that will enable testing to be done in the province so we are able to receive real time data and immediately deal with cases on hand.
“I believe by doing this, we avoid such lengthy process that is now being experienced and attend to our people on a timely manner,” he said.
Meanwhile, Magei appealed to the people of Northern not to panic, be calm, ensure they have access to correct information and disseminate the correct and true information that does not instill fear and confusion.
“We have problems but if we obey orders that are being enforced, it is to protect you, your family, your house hold unit and your community from the imminent hazards that you are exposed too.
“Since we have now registered 3 cases, confirmation is done, measures will be stepped up by implementing the orders, relevant enforcement agencies will ensure compliance to the orders are maintained and at all cost do not create fear but be encouraging one and other to exercise the niupla pasin measures.
“We need the details to match against our registered swab samples to identify who these individuals are.
“At the moment, we are unable to do that.
“The National Controller David Manning has been informed about this breach and he has advised Magei that he will check, confirm where the information was generated from and inform the authorities on ground,” Magei said.