LocalDecision Making has been put into the hands of an Aboriginal-controlled healthservice in North East Arnhem Land.
OnJuly 1, 2019, Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation (Miwatj) will assume operationsof the Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in Gapuwiyak and Ramingining.
TheTerritory Labor Government is determined to restore local decision making tocommunities.
NorthernTerritory Health has worked with Miwatj and the Commonwealth GovernmentDepartment of Health to transition the operation of the Top End HealthServices (TEHS) Gapuwiyak and Ramingining Primary Health Care centres toAboriginal community control.
Miwatj already manages health centres inNhulunbuy, Gunyangara, Yirrkala, Milingimbi and Galiwinku.
Miwatj will receive $3.3 million perannum from the Northern Territory Government and $3.2 million per annum from theCommonwealth Government to provide PHC services in Gapuwiyak and Ramingining.
The majority of TEHS staff working atGapuwiyak and Ramingining PHC Centres will transfer to Miwatj to maintaincontinuity of health services and local knowledge of the communities.
Increasingcommunity involvement in the planning and delivery of local health servicesbrings additional health benefits for the community.
Quotesfrom the Minister of Health, Natasha Fyles:
Transitioninghealth services to community control is a key election commitment of theTerritory Labor Government and I look forward to Miwatjs success with managingadditional services in the year ahead.
MiwatjHealth should be recognised for their dedication to promoting health andwellness with the Aboriginal people of the Arnhem region.
As noted by the Member forArnhem, Selena Uibo:
Itsgreat to see this transition happening in Gapuwiyak.
Recently,we held Community Cabinet in Gapuwiyak and my ministerial colleagues sawfirsthand the strong emphasis on local decision making the communityundertakes.
Itis a community full of strong leaders and decision makers and a communitycontrolled clinic is the next step for this strong part of the Arnhemelectorate.
Quotesfrom the Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation Chief Executive, EddieMulholland:
Today is a landmark dayfor the NT, Miwatj Health and Yolngu. The transfer of the last two clinics inNorth East Arnhem Land to Aboriginal community control to the entire North EastArnhem communities is a big investment in empowering the local region. MiwatjHealth believes that having control and choices for their communities memberswill build capabilities. Hence, that is the best known health strategy.
Theunderlying philosophy of Miwatj Health is the fundamental right of Aboriginalpeople to control their own health services.
