Community & Business
24 June, 2023
Boost for health services
A huge step by Mareeba’s Mulungu Health Clinic will allow hundreds of local First Nations people to address not only their dental needs but their general health, while alleviating pressures on the public system.
A huge step by Mareeba’s Mulungu Health Clinic will allow hundreds of local First Nations people to address not only their dental needs but their general health, while alleviating pressures on the public system.
A new dentistry service will be added to the Mareeba clinic following the immense success of the Atherton facility which was established last year.
Mulungu chief executive officer Gail Wason said that after witnessing the high success rate in Atherton, it was time to provide the same service in Mareeba.
State-of-the-art equipment has been sourced to enable dentists to perform all necessary procedures in-house.
“We have had a clinic in Atherton that has been open for a year and a bit now, and at the same time, the health clinic opened up,” she said
“We have highly advanced equipment in the dental surgery that is unparalleled.
“It has always been deemed a necessity, not just by me but also by our doctors. They often express the wish to have a magic wand to ensure everyone receives proper dental care, as our people do not readily seek dental treatment until they end up in the hospital.”
To receive a dental checkup, patients must also undergo a full health check, with a focus on overall wellbeing.
Ms Wason hopes the new addition to their Mareeba facility will contribute to a healthier and happier community, particularly encouraging the younger generation to prioritise their health.
“It is crucial it is about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people addressing their health needs. It aligns with the primary healthcare services we offer,” she said.
“We want them to take advantage of the opportunities they have and the opportunities that will arise in the future.”
The new dentistry clinic will be incorporated into the existing health clinic at the Mulungu building in Mareeba.
Modifications are scheduled to take place in the coming months to accommodate two dentistry chairs, x-ray machines, and other necessary technology. The opening date for the dentistry facility is yet to be determined.
