Lives Lost in PNG Hospital Blackout Sparks Outrage in Parliament
A blackout at Lae’s Angau Memorial Provincial Hospital that claimed several lives has led to heated exchanges in Papua New Guinea’s Parliament, with MPs accusing the Health Ministry of negligence.
Kabwum MP Patrick Basa revealed that seven patients died on October 19 after the hospital went without electricity for nearly 20 hours due to a failed generator. He asked Health Minister Elias Kapavore to confirm the number of deaths and explain what caused the tragedy.
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| Health Minister Elias Kapavore |
Minister Kapavore clarified that five deaths were confirmed by hospital management and that the department was investigating. He assured Parliament that reports would determine whether the incident was due to operational failure or lack of maintenance.
East Sepik Governor Allan Bird intervened, saying all PHAs faced similar difficulties and the Health Minister should provide solutions instead of excuses. “Every PHA is struggling — we want answers, not blame,” Bird said.
Kapavore responded that PHAs were funded to manage essential services, including maintaining backup power systems. Bird then argued that generators could not sustain power for 24 hours and that the issue required stronger national oversight.
The Minister stated that one patient died while waiting for treatment during the blackout and four others were “expected deaths.”
His use of the term was challenged by Wabag MP Dr. Lino Tom, who said, “Only God determines who lives or dies.” Minister Kapavore later expressed his sympathy to the grieving families.
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