PNG Achieves Landmark in Health with First Kidney Transplant
Papua New Guinea reached a historic milestone on Wednesday, May 14, by successfully completing its first kidney transplant operation. The procedure, carried out at Port Moresby General Hospital, was declared successful when the patient began producing urine—a vital sign that the kidney is functioning properly.
A second transplant is expected to follow today. Health Minister Elias Kapavore hailed the achievement as a game-changer for the country and the Pacific region, pointing out the affordability and accessibility now available to kidney patients.
While such procedures cost around K500,000 overseas, Kapavore stated that the local transplant service would cost less than K10,000. He also revealed that over 50 patients receive dialysis three times weekly at PMGH.
This development comes in the wake of the NEC’s endorsement of the National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anesthetic Policy, a move that cleared the way for organ transplants in the country.
The Medical Board, led by Dr Paul Sali, granted a temporary license to a UK transplant team to perform the operation.
PMGH’s Kidney Transplant Steering Committee, led by Chief Surgeon Dr Okti Poki and kidney surgeon Dr Damien Hasola, coordinated the historic effort.
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