DPH deploys nurses in search of Luhk sisters

The Department of Public Health has deployed its nursing staff to help in the search for Faloma and Maleina Luhk, who disappeared on May 25.

DPH Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez said nurses have been assigned to join search teams to ensure the health of volunteers and law enforcers taking part in the search are taken cared of.

A day after the sisters’ disappearance, four to five nurses, including managers, were assigned daily to the Incident Command Post at the Kagman Community Center, said acting nursing director Gayline Blau.

“Throughout the rescue mission in Kagman, we had four to five nurses and managers who were on the site to provide assistance. Some other nurses also volunteered on the first days because they know that the search covered bigger areas,” said Blau.

When volunteers began looking for clues at the Marpi landfill this week, the Commonwealth Health Center assigned one nurse at the new site.

“The area is hot, windy, and stinks. Our designated nurse monitors the blood pressure of the folks that are searching to ensure that their health is also being taken care of…and our nurses will be there whenever they are done,” assured Villagomez.

Acting governor Eloy Inos has proclaimed June 12 to 18 as CNMI Nurses Week in recognition of their important role in the nation’s health care system. He urged everyone to join in honoring nurses by celebrating their accomplishments and efforts to improve the health care system.

“I also encourage all our residents to show our appreciation for the nation’s nurses not just during this week but at every opportunity throughout the year,” said Inos during yesterday’s proclamation signing ceremony at the public health conference room.

Inos assured nurses that their concerns and interests will continue to be heard by the administration even as the Health Department transitions into an independent public health corporation.

According to Villagomez, the entry of 12 nursing assistants next week will bring a new chapter to the CNMI nursing group. These additional nursing assistants are graduating seniors at Saipan Southern High School’s nursing assistant program.

He said nurses are not only pillars of health care in the community and the nation but also the largest pool of health workers.

“Definitely, we will take care of you because you’re taking care of us…thank you for all your services,” added Villagomez.