DOCTORS at the new Pomio District Hospital have successfully performed an emergency caesarean section operation to save a mother and her newborn twins, says Pomio MP and Health Minister Elias Kapavore.
Patients facing similar medical emergencies previously had to endure a 20-hour boat journey to Kokopo for treatment.
When the emergency case arose yesterday morning and the medical staff tried to find a boat to reach the Nonga Hospital in Kokopo, Kapavore said that he intervened.
“Considering the emergency situation, I advised them to do what is necessary to save the lives of the mother and the babies,” he said.
“It is heartwarming to hear that the emergency operation was successful, and the mother and her two babies, a male and a female, are stable and recovering well.”
Dr Patrick Ofokonare led the surgery, assisted by Dr Janet Pika and Dr Ignatius Bolokon Junior.
They were supported by anaesthetic scientific officers and the operating theatre nursing and laboratory teams.
Kapavore noted that this breakthrough validates recent investments in rural health infrastructure, which are heavily backed by the Asian Development Bank and the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
“I am confident our current template for primary health infrastructure is proving tangible results as a critical health indicator,” Kapavore stated.
“I have travelled to many of our remote districts and I am convinced, with stability of government and sustainable resource allocation, PNG is on track to achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.”
