MTS Foundation Charity - Papua New Guinea


MIAK HEALTH CENTRE, KAR KAR ISLAND Miak Health Centre is the Government Health Centre on the vocanic island of Kar Kar situated 30 miles north of Madang Township in the Madang Province of Papua New Guinea. It is also located adjacent to the Kar Kar High School which is the only High School on the Island and currently in a very run down state due to lack of maintenance over a long period of time. Kar Kar has an estimated population of 50,000 people divided into two main language groups, Waskia (NE half) and Takia (SE Half) with just one Local Level Government which is headquartered at Kinim, the main adminstrative base for the Sumkar District. The economy of Kar Kar is entirely dependent on Cocoa and Copra. The main religious group are Lutherans with some Catholics, SDA's and newer penticostal churches. Although Miak is the Government Health Centre, the Lutheran run Gaubin Hospital known as the "Edward & Tabitha Tsharke District Hospital" in memory of Dr Tsharke who for 47 years built Gaubin Hospital and served as the Medical Superintendent until 1999. (More about Gaubin later) Miak like the High School was in a very run down state due to lack of maintenance and the Melanesian Foundation requested assistance from the US Army who visited Madang aboard the Pelieu in 2007 to undertake various humanitarian work in the Province.
MAINTENANCE AT MIAK The US Army carried out maintenance on the main building and some painting. They installed a water pump supplied by the MF, water tanks and restored the water system. They completed a new section on the main building and began painting the complex which is now being completed by the MF.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE During the visit of the US Army, massive immunization was undertaken, a dental clinic set up to undertake dental care and those who required surgery were taken to Modilon Hospital or to the MS Pelieu to undergo surgery. Pictures show the work of the US Army during the visit to Miak in 2007
MELANESIAN FOUNDATION Our electrician has repaired wiring, installed a small generator and lighting throughout the Health Centre. The water pump has been repaired but reports indicate insufficient pressure to fill water tanks.
WORK YET TO BE COMPLETED The water pump needs to be upgraded. Two Tuffa Water Tanks to be installed (material and tanks on site). The Administration Block needs to be completely restored, major maintenance and eradication of termites. The entire complex needs second coat of paint. The HF/SSB Aerial needs to be straightened. Two vehicles need major repairs or replacement. An agreement needs to be established between the Kar Kar High School and the Miak Health Centre so that a common genset can be used to provide power. Review of qualifications of Health Staff working at this Health Centre. CEO of Miak requested a doctor be based at the Health Centre.