Bush Clinic at Nankina

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Backbreaking Challenge of Today’s PNG

Report by Dr. Günter Kittel 

Outreach Team

  • Dr. Günter Kittel – Surgeon, Mission EineWelt at Etep Rural Hospital

  • Bindu Karki – Nurse/Midwife from Nepal

  • Daniel & Zine – Etep Hospital staff

  • Tobias Kreuz – German volunteer

  • Andrew Mawer – Medical student, Oxford University

  • Adi – Son of the Kittel family

Journey to Nankina

After months of planning and with rainy season underway, Mission Aviation Fellowship flew us from Wasu to the remote Nankina airstrip. The flight offered stunning views of steep mountain villages and waterfalls. On arrival, we transported our personal gear, medical supplies, and even a small operating theatre to a village guesthouse.

Life in Nankina

The village appeared untouched by modern transport—many residents have never seen a car. Beautiful carved gates adorned each home. The abandoned aid post had not been operational in 14 years, leaving over 6,000 people without reliable healthcare.

Community Health Challenges

  • Families had up to 10 children per mother; single motherhood was common.

  • Tuberculosis and lung disease were prevalent.

  • Heavy tobacco use was observed across all ages.

  • Betel nut chewing had become widespread, with cases of mouth cancer in young adults.

  • Many women in their 30s already had 10+ children and showed signs of physical exhaustion.

Despite high patient numbers, we could only see 50 people per day. On the busiest day, over 200 patients waited and we distributed 4,000 painkillers. Basic healthcare infrastructure was missing—no nurses, no ongoing treatment.

Raising Awareness

Our nurse David gave powerful talks on HIV, hygiene, and family planning. Community members listened with the attention of a political rally. Sunday included an open-air worship service and further health awareness.

Medical Operations

We performed minor surgeries: hernias, cysts, ulcers, and tooth extractions, working late into the evenings. Supplies ran low quickly, and we had no means to sterilize instruments, pushing our limits.

The Trek Back

Our return journey was grueling. With 15 carriers, we trekked through rivers, slippery canyons, and mud. Tribal history lingered—our guides carried bows and arrows for safety. Along the way, we stayed in remote hamlets, sometimes welcomed by families with six wives or village elders eager to share stories. Hospitality saved us from the rain and exhaustion.

Arrival at Saidor

After days of trekking, we reached Saidor—home to a small hospital (18 nurses, no doctor). We enjoyed the luxury of soft beds and hot showers. A dinghy transported us back to Wasu across calm seas, a welcome contrast to the challenging land route.

Reflections

The Nankina outreach clinic revealed the tremendous medical needs of rural Papua New Guinea. Despite limited capacity, our visit brought hope and highlighted the urgency for ongoing support.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Mission EineWelt for sponsoring flights and medical supplies, and to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of PNG, our local helpers, carriers, and community leaders who welcomed us and carried us—literally and figuratively—through this journey.

Source: https://web.archive.org/web/20150724023325/https://asopa.typepad.com/asopa_people/2014/09/bush-clinic-at-nankina-the-backbreaking-challenge-of-todays-png.html

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