Expectant mothers in remote communities across Papua New Guinea can now connect with hospital care, thanks to MAF’s installation of High-Frequency radio.
A Story By MAF Technologies, Kowara Bell
MAF Technologies has recently installed High-Frequency (HF) radio systems in several remote areas of Papua New Guinea to support the Meri Lift initiative, founded by the Kompiam Rural Hospital, situated in the remote northern part of Enga Province.
The initiative provides a medical retrieval service, enabling mothers with childbirth complications to be quickly airlifted to Kompiam, arranged through an HF radio call.
Bilson Maina, a local spokesman from Gendep, one of the communities benefiting from the HF radio system, expressed his appreciation, emphasising how the installation has filled the communication gap and provided essential connections to their detached community.
“Many mothers have died during childbirth complications due to lack of immediate assistance to reach health authorities, but now, thanks to this radio, we can contact the hospital on time,” Bilson said.
“Being deep in the forest, we face many challenges, and many of our family members have died because of the long journey between us and the health centre.”
Lukas Yemin, a spokesman from Imboin, a remote area in East Sepik, said the work by MAF Technologies is an essential step in improving communication and connectivity.
“I see that this HF radio system will be of great value to our community, and this is the first time that we have had such significant service made available for us,” Lukas said.
The Meri Lift programme allows the hospital to act as a healthcare lifeline for many remote communities where rugged terrains hinders road access and makes air transport by MAF the only realistic option to reach them.
Bob Angua, Kompiam Hospital maintenance and electrical officer, highlighted the pivotal role of HF radio as the sole communication platform available for these remote communities, serving as their lifeline during emergencies.
“For emergencies calls, the HF radio system links directly to Kompiam Hospital. In the event that the hospital is unresponsive, the MAF Technologies crosspatch team is available 24/7 to monitor calls and inform the hospital of the situation,” he said.
Earlier this year, Bob had the privilege of participating in an MAF Technologies HF and solar training program, enabling him with skills to install and perform basic troubleshooting on HF radios and solar-powered vaccine fridges.
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