Media releases

Monday, 9 November 2009

Minister opens new Pukatja medical clinic in Ernabella

The Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery, Warren Snowdon, officially opened the new Pukatja Medical Clinic in Ernabella, in far north South Australia today.

The old clinic, operated by the Nganampa Health Council (NHC) on Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands, was destroyed by fire in September 2006, and was rebuilt with financial assistance from the Rudd Government.

“This community was left understandably devastated by the tragic loss of this important provider of medical services in the region,” Minister Snowdon said.

“Thankfully, through the assistance of the Australian Government, a shortfall in funding of $566,707 was able to be found to assist in the rebuilding of the clinic.”

Nganampa Health Council is an Anangu (Aboriginal) community controlled health organisation that has provided comprehensive primary health care to people living on the APY Lands since 1983.

NHC operates nine clinics across the APY Lands and an aged care respite centre located at Pukatja (Ernabella).

NHC provides the following services from the Pukatja Clinic:

• Primary Health Care services

• Visits from specialist medical staff (eg paediatricians, podiatrists, optometrists etc)

• Dental services

Australian Government funded hearing services provided through the Office of Hearing Services and delivered by the Government service delivery agency, Australian Hearing are also provided at this site.

X-ray services will also be provided in the near future, as digital x-ray equipment has been purchased and staff will be trained in its operation.

Media contact: Alice Plate, media adviser, 04000 45 999

Copyright © 2004-5 Warren Snowdon MP. This page was last updated on 12 November 2009.