PNG's Medical Milestone: World-Class Cath Lab Launched at Port Moresby General Hospital
Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) unveiled a state-of-the-art catheterization laboratory (cath lab) on Tuesday, marking a significant step forward in the country's ability to perform invasive heart treatments. The new machine will not only serve Papua New Guinea (PNG) but also patients from the Pacific Islands, eliminating the need for overseas medical travel.
Head of the Catheterization Laboratory, Dr. Wesong Boko, emphasized that the advanced equipment will allow for early diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions. “This cath lab will enable life-saving interventions such as angioplasty and stenting for blocked arteries,” Dr. Boko said during the launch.
“This machine is on par with the most cutting-edge technology globally. With it, we can now triple or even quadruple the number of patients treated,” he added. The lab will also be instrumental in addressing conditions like stroke, heart attack, and even cancer.
The cath lab, purchased by Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) for over K5 million, was secured through an agreement with PMGH. KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk, present at the launch with Prime Minister James Marape, said the initiative followed a verbal directive to reduce the need for overseas medical treatment. “There was no written policy, just a verbal request to work with PMGH and Angau Hospital to keep Papua New Guineans in the country for treatment,” Mr. Sonk said.
Dr. Boko provided further details about the cath lab's primary functions, which include angiography and stenting. Angiography, a medical imaging technique, allows doctors to visualize the inside of blood vessels and organs, aiding in the identification of blockages related to heart disease or stroke. Stenting, another critical procedure, involves placing a tube-like device into narrowed or blocked vessels to keep them open.
Dr. Boko noted that treatment costs in the new cath lab are significantly lower than overseas options. “A stent will cost K3,000 here, and an angiogram between K5,000 to K8,000, compared to over K100,000 overseas. For many patients, we’ve provided this service free of charge,” he said, adding that government subsidies could further support this life-saving initiative.
Prime Minister James Marape expressed his approval of PMGH’s progress and pledged continued government support for the hospital's efforts to enhance healthcare services in the country.
PMGH CEO Aims for Comprehensive Healthcare by 2025
PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi, meanwhile, shared his vision for the hospital to provide comprehensive heart, kidney, and cancer services by 2025. He emphasized that as PNG prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, the nation should strive for "health independence" alongside its political independence.
“We should no longer need to send our people overseas for treatment. PMGH is committed to providing these critical services right here in our country,” Dr. Molumi stated.
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