An independent medical team is heading out to the Fly River system to check on local women suffering from bad skin conditions after the issue blew up on social media.
Families living along the river raised the alarm online after two women developed serious skin problems, with social media posts quickly blaming the Ok Tedi mine.
However, medical experts point out that proper health checks have not been done yet to prove what actually caused the sickness.
To clear things up, Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) is teaming up with Daru Hospital and the Western Provincial Health Authority. Doctors will go out to examine the affected women, take samples, and send them away to independent labs for proper testing.
Ok Tedi Manager Health Services, Raymond Singamis said the company’s priority is to establish the facts and ensure appropriate support is provided where required.
“We understand the concerns being expressed by affected families and communities. Ok Tedi is committed to working with health authorities to ensure a thorough investigation is undertaken to establish the facts surrounding these reports. Where assistance is required, we will work with health authorities and medical specialists to provide appropriate care and treatment as part of our corporate social responsibility,” Singamis said.
People living along the Fly River depend heavily on the water every day, making health scares like this is very worrying for everyone in the villages.
Ok Tedi Environment Manager, Erizo Kepe said the company regularly tests the river water and environment using World Health Organisation standards, and insists there is no proof linking mine operations to the skin conditions.
“While no link has been established between the reported medical conditions to environmental impacts associated with Ok Tedi’s operations, we take these concerns seriously and are committed to supporting a thorough investigation. It is important to ensure that any conclusions made are based on verified medical and environmental evidence, and we will continue to work transparently with health authorities, regulators and affected communities as the assessment progresses,’’ said Ms Kepe.
Authorities have asked people not to jump to conclusions and to wait for the doctors to finish their checks so the real cause can be found.