MAF LAUNCHES CARE PACK INITIATIVE

A Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) initiative, supported by local businesses in Goroka, is providing essential supplies to patients at Goroka Hospital who arrive on medevac flights.

MAF volunteers launched the ‘Care Packs’ to ensure that medically evacuated patients from within remote Eastern Highlands Province receive helpful supplies during their hospital stay.

Michelle Venter, co-ordinator of MAF’s care pack effort in Goroka, said that often in an emergency people grab only their bilums and are rushed to the aircraft without personal belongings.

“They have very little time to gather their supplies before they get to the hospital,” Michelle said.

“This is a real need for medevac patients and friends or family that accompany them, so every patient who gets flown into Goroka by MAF will receive a care pack.”

The care pack includes a bucket, a blanket, a soft towel, a washcloth, water containers, plates, bowls, mugs, soap and a toothbrush – essential items for patients in a hospital bed far from home.

The initiative was supported by a donation of 30,000 Kina which Cynthea Leah, Secretary and Treasurer of the Goroka Chamber of Commerce & Industry, revealed was from generous local businesses in the province.

“This marks the first time the chamber has supported MAF in its work.”

Mary*, 41, from Lufa district, was recently airlifted to Goroka after sustaining injuries in a land dispute. She and her husband, John* were among the first to receive a care pack.

“Everything we needed was in the bucket, and we’re so thankful that we were fortunate to use the bucket and supplies,” John said.

“When we arrived, I was only wearing a T-shirt and pants, and Mama Mary didn’t have any extra items either. So, thank you MAF.”

(* Name changed to protect the woman and man’s identity.)