27 Jun 2002

Solomon Island Temotu province without a doctor

11:03 am on 27 June 2002

Solomon Islands Temotu province is without a medical doctor again after the departure of its physician, Gunter Kittel of Austria.

Medical authorities in the provincial capital, Lata, say the departure of Dr Kittel will again paralyse services in Temotu as was the case nine months up to April.

George West reports.

"A chief officer from Lata hospital says the position would be less worrying if air links from Lata to Honiara are resumed which would allow the airlifting of urgent medical cases to Honiara. But without air services and with unreliable shipping services, some patients may have to go without required medical attention they need. Before leaving for Honiara on an ocean freighter earlier this week, Dr Kittel said he may consider returning to Temotu if he is given accomodation and if air links between Lata and Honiara are resumed."