Successful medivac saves mother and child

A successful medevac at the Wafi-Golpu Project sites has saved the life of a mother and child.
Lupito Russell, 24, from Bavaga Village started labour contractions on July 24, and three days later she was rushed to the Wafi Health Subcenter in a life-threatening situation.

Wafi-Golpu Joint Venture’s Health Extension Officer, Philip Dulau, and the clinic’s Community Health Worker (CHW), Robert Kitumga, assessed the condition and identified that the mother and baby were in danger due to the complication and immediately raised the alarm.
“The membrane had ruptured and we could see the baby’s head but the baby couldn’t be delivered. This was high risk and is life threatening for both mother and baby,” said Mr Dulau.
Mr Dulau with quick assistance from WGJV’s community affairs and, emergency response contacted Manolos, the helicopter company contracted by the Morobe Provincial Government to conduct medevac in rural areas of the province.

“The Morobe Province Government and Manolos medical team were consulted on this medical situation and after their confirmation with our medical team, approved the medevac,” Mr Dulau said.
Lupito was airlifted from the WGJV camp and to ANGAU Memorial General Hospital, where she was admitted. Under the professional care of the ANGAU medical staff, Lupito delivered a healthy baby boy on July 27.

Mr Kitumga thanked WGJV for their assistance and Morobe Provincial Government for the medevac program, which has saved many lives since its inception.
“I also encourage expecting mothers to attend antenatal clinics so that early signs of risks can be identified and the mothers can be advised to come to the Health Sub-Center earlier before their expected dates of delivery or referred for deliveries at hospitals,” he said