Health Services
Since mining began in 1984, OTML has introduced a range of services and infrastructure that have improved overall public health for the North Fly and surrounding communities. OTML provides a high level of health services to its workforce and the villagers within the Mine Lease Area. OTML's health services are also available to other areas of the North Fly on a referral basis.
Health improvements in the mine area
Before mining began, infant mortality rates in the region were estimated at 129 per thousand. Today, as a result of improved medical services and nutrition, infant mortality rates are down to less than 15 per thousand, lower than the national average. Doctors have reported an increase in average life expectancy from 30 years to more than 50 years.
The incidence of malaria among villages within a 40-kilometre radius of the mine has decreased from 70 per cent of children, to less than 15 per cent, and in adults, from 35 per cent to less than six per cent. This is largely due to vigilance in controlling the mosquito populations. OTML's malaria control and research programs are internationally recognised.
The Tabubil Hospital and Health Centre has a 34-bed hospital, four isolation rooms, an eight-bed extended care ward as well as a four-bed emergency centre. There is an OTML out-patients area, general out-patients area and well as a maternal and child health department. The centre treats more than 12,000 outpatients each month as well as over 150 admissions every month. The medical staff include four doctors (including a full time physician, surgeon, obstetric & gynaecology and ongoing visiting specialists), health extension officers, more than 70 nursing officers and aides, aid post and medical orderlies, dental staff, radiographers, medical laboratory technicians and other allied health support staff.
Services offered at the Tabubil Health Centre include general medicine, surgery, obstetrics, maternal and child health clinics, family planning, cervical cancer testing, dental laboratory, x-ray, occupational health and community/public health.
Caregivers in remote villages are also being trained in basic first aid and childbirth.
OTML also supports the construction of aid posts, clinics and health sub-centres in villages within the Ok Tedi and Fly River regions. Much of this work is undertaken in cooperation with the PNG Government and other organizations, such as churches and missions.
OTML, in conjunction with the Western Provincial Health Division and church groups, has been undertaking annual health patrols in remote communities on the Fly River since 2003. These patrols have been responsible for the eradication of yaws from communities in the region, which had been rife.