At the recent Christian Health Services PNG General Assembly that ended on April 27th Dr Kevin Pondikou of Rumginae Rural Hospital, had the opportunity to give a gift to the Minister for Health Dr Lino Tom. The gift, a beautiful Gogodala paddle, had been itself bestowed on Dr Pondikou in recognition of his service and appreciation for his visit to Balimo District Hospital. Dr Pondikou in turn in appreciation presented it to Dr Tom in recognition of the road he built to Maramuni.
Dr Pondikou recounts his encounter with Maramuni:
Presenting my gift of a Gogodala Paddle, which Dr Kaupa Mukale Karl had entrusted to me care for. I was the first Doctor to visit Balimo ECPNG District Hospital in 25years together with my the Resident Medical Officer Dr Kaupa, to the Honourable Minister for Health Dr Lino Tom.
Many years ago it was a weekend and I was in Rughaz when I recieved a phone call from Maramuni regarding a patient. I asked where the nearest hospital was they said it was Wabag but there weren’t any roads.
Then one day many years later I saw a post by Dr Lino saying that he would make a road to Maramuni.
I didn’t hear anything more regarding the road until some time later there was a post which was a video of him driving to Maramuni which blew my mind.
In appreciation of this wonder, I had the opportunity to meet him and presented him with a basket and this Gogodala Paddle .
