EQUIPPING RURAL DOCTORS WITH TECH SKILLS FOR HEALTHCARE SOLUTIONS
A group of doctors are brimming with confidence and eager to enhance healthcare in their district hospitals after completing an exclusive training course at MAF Technologies in Papua New Guinea.
“It has been a fulfilling two weeks of both theoretical and hands-on training here at MAF Technologies,” said Dr Carolyn Undi, one of the five Master of Rural Medicine trainees taking part in the radio and solar training.
“We learned how to install High Frequency (HF) radios and solar energy, which was entirely new to me.
“As rural doctors the majority of us face challenges due to unreliable communications and inadequate power to light our small facilities, particularly in district hospitals and health centres across Papua New Guinea,” she said.
Feeling both determined and a little nervous, Dr Undi, who has served in Ialibu District Hospital in Southern Highlands Province, found the course to be both helpful and challenging.
“It was initially a challenge for me, but the trainers were quite helpful, and they helped me and my colleague understand how radio and solar works and how we can go back and improve our facilities.”
Fellow participants Dr Lawrence Boe and Dr Spencer Kimsen have served at Kudjip Nazarene Hospital in Jiwaka Province. Dr Kimsen highlighted that, upon completing their Masters, they would be assigned to district hospitals where these invaluable skills would empower them to thrive in the most remote and challenging environments.
“We have learned various aspects of how solar energy works. Essentially, the training focuses on running a range of radios powered by solar panels, which is crucial for rural and remote communities,” said Dr Kimsen.
“If we encounter an issue that is out of our hands, we can easily contact MAF because we now know what’s going on and which specific radio frequency band to use for assistance.”
Jacob Dinoke, MAF Senior Technician and trainer, emphasized that these rural doctors serve as managers of their hospitals, overseeing facility operations, human resources and overall healthcare services.
“As part of their responsibilities, they must ensure their hospitals run efficiently using solar power and HF radios to communicate with smaller health clinics and centers within the district.”
