PNG Health Investment Delivers Historic Emergency Surgery in Pomio

The first emergency caesarean section performed at Pomio District Hospital has been hailed as a breakthrough for healthcare in rural Papua New Guinea after doctors safely delivered twin babies and saved their mother's life.

 

PNG PM James Marape

Prime Minister James Marape said the successful operation highlighted the value of strengthening district hospitals, ensuring people living in remote communities could receive urgent treatment without travelling great distances.

The emergency surgery is believed to be the first obstetric operation of its kind undertaken in Pomio District since Papua New Guinea gained Independence. The mother, who experienced serious pregnancy complications, received immediate care from local medical staff instead of enduring a lengthy referral journey by sea and road.

Mr Marape said the Government had spent the past seven years expanding healthcare services by improving rural facilities, increasing the health workforce, supplying medicines and upgrading medical equipment across the country.

The operation was performed by Dr Patrick Ofokonare with assistance from Dr Janet Pika and Dr Ignatius Bolkon. They were supported by anaesthetic scientific officers Matil Morea and Michael Morea, theatre nurses, laboratory staff and other healthcare workers.

The Prime Minister congratulated Health Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore for supporting improvements to health services in the district and acknowledged the assistance provided through partnerships involving the Papua New Guinea Government, the Australian Government through DFAT and the Asian Development Bank.

Mr Marape said the achievement showed what could be accomplished when investments in healthcare, infrastructure and skilled professionals reached communities that had long struggled to access specialist medical services.

"For far too long, our rural people have suffered because essential health services were too far away."

"You acted decisively in a critical moment, and because of your skill and teamwork, a mother and her twin children have been given a new future."

"Our long-term goal is clear: no Papua New Guinean should lose their life simply because they live in a remote area."

"A healthy mother, two healthy babies, a capable medical team and a district hospital that is now saving lives-this is development with meaning."