Issues relating to kidneys can now be treated at the Mendi Hospital in Southern Highlands province after the hospital received its new Kidney Dialysis Unit. This was made possible through the support of the national petroleum and energy company, Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL), through a commitment made to support the establishment of the Unit at a cost of K1million and after some years, the dialysis unit is finally officially open and ready to take in patients. At the 2020 ground-breaking ceremony, KPHL made their first instalment of K500, 000 towards the Sothern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA) project and by mid-2021 building construction was well underway. Since then, the facility has been fully kitted out with the necessary water treatment other necessary equipment and medical staff trained in Port Moresby to operate it. KPHL Managing Director Mr. Wapu Sonk said, “Kumul Petroleum Holdings is proud to have partnered with the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority in ensuring that this important life-changing medical facility is established and operational in a Highlands location, in a region where a large percentage of the country’s population lives. It is the second government kidney dialysis centre in PNG after Port Moresby. “Kumul Petroleum has always had a health focus, we want to help save lives. We have supported the National Heart Centre at Port Moresby General Hospital and also financed cancer treatment at that hospital and ANGAU Memorial Hospital in Lae. This support of the Mendi Dialysis unit is a logical extension of KPHL’s health sector programs.” Equipped with six dialysis machines each costing K85, 000, the Kidney Dialysis Centre at Mendi will serve patients from throughout the Highlands region. Two of the dialysis machines will be provided by PNG Kidney Foundation while the other four are funded by the PNG Government. An important part of the facility is the water filtering and treatment system, which cost over K200, 000. “As PNG develops there is an increased incidence of lifestyle diseases such as cancer and diseases that affect organs such as the heart and kidneys, which often results in death. At Kumul Petroleum we hope that our financial support can assist the National Department of Health, such as today where we see the first Highland regional dialysis facility.” “Kumul Petroleum Holdings hopes that the dialysis unit here in Mendi properly serves its purpose, which ultimately is to save people’s lives - to become a kidney dialysis centre of excellence, providing training and development for our doctors, nurses and technicians.

The Digicel ExxonMobil Cup first double header match played at the Santos National Football Stadium in Port Moresby this afternoon saw the Central Dabaris secure their first win of the season against Gulf Isou. However, the first half started with the Gulf Isou leading the match with a penalty kick by Gabby Taune securing 2 points followed by a try by himself taking the lead to 6 points to 0. The Dabaris on the other hand won’t go into half time scoreless and at the last minutes of the half, Dabaris’ centre Wala Samoa scored their first try followed by a successful conversion to level the score 6 points all. Coming back at second half, the Gulfs boys extended their lead through a try by halfback Michael Timothy followed a successful conversion, putting them in the lead 12-6. Playing in the second half, both teams also had two of their players sin binned for high tackles and were a man short. Things went bad for the Dabaris when a penalty was given to the Gulf Isou, of which they took a penalty kick and putting two points on the score board to lead 14 to 6. However, the Dabaris were not going to go quietly and with only fifteen minutes on the clock, the boys from Central province fought back through a try from Wala Samoa with a successful conversion. Another try by his team mate Rex Kaupa put the Dabaris further ahead on the score board. They would have gone further had the conversion kick was successful. Nevertheless, the Dabaris were in the lead 16 to 14 and held on until the full time hooter went off to win the match. Dabaris fullback Junior Bobby took out the man of the match award.

The SP PNG Hunters are back in Australia this weekend to take on the Burleigh Bears at UAA Park, Gold Coast in Round 6 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. The match will kick-off at 3pm on Saturday, 22nd of April. It’s been a short week for the Hunters who returned to Port Moresby following their disappointing loss to the Northern Pride last weekend. The travel to and from Papua New Guinea means the Hunters observed a restricted training schedule this week, but no doubt they’re eager to take the field on Saturday and respond to their Round 5 loss. Despite the result, there were plenty of positives for the Hunters to take away from last week’s match against the Pride. The PNG-based side showed that when they hold the ball and control their discipline, they can pile on the points quickly. They also produced some compelling defensive efforts on their own try line to repel an expansive Pride attack. It often took multiple repeat sets for the Pride to crack PNG’s line, and if the Hunters can limit their opponents’ attacking chances, they will be confident in defending their line. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend has made a few minor changes to his side for Round 6. Benji Kot moves back into the centres where he enjoyed a steller start to the season, while Julius Yakoba returns to the backrow after missing last week. In the spine, Jamie Mavoko has been recalled at halfback and gets a chance to resume what was a promising combination with Sakias Komati and Morea Morea over the opening four games. How the Hunters forward pack performs on Saturday will go a long way to bringing Mavoko, Komati and Morea into the game. The Hunters forwards were beaten through the middle by Pride in Round 5 but they get a chance to respond against the Bears on Saturday afternoon. The Burleigh Bears will also be stinging after a heavy loss in Round 5 at the hands of the Sunshine Coast Falcons. The Falcon’s Melbourne Storm affiliated players ran riot against the Bears in Round 5, who struggled to contain the NRL-quality attacking talent across the park. Don’t let that score line fool you, though. Burleigh have once again assembled a quality roster this season and will provide a stern test for PNG when playing at home this weekend. Team List 1. Morea Morea 2. Brandon Nima 3. Benji Kot 4. Rodrick Tai 5. Solo Wane 6. Sakias Komati 7. Jamie Mavoko 8. Junior Rop 9. Wesser Tenza 10. Epel Kapinias 11. Sherwin Tanabi 12. Julius Yakoba 13. Ila Alu (captain) 14. Trevor Solu 15. Tom Moide 16. Koso Bandi 17. Henry Noki 18. Sanny Wabo PC : Travor Mallen

Motorists in the Nation’s Capital are currently being hit with another fuel crisis. This time, a fuel shortage of unleaded petrol with some service stations closed and others still operating on whatever fuel they have left. Koki Puma Service Station has closed indefinitely due to no fuel since Monday. Supervisor for the Koki Market service station Dada Kairi told PNG HAUSBUNG they had lost customers since Monday due to the fuel shortage. “We have plenty of dingys coming in and this has brought a huge loss on our side for cost. Our petrol and zoom are out, and we are waiting for the order and hopefully reopen by next week.” Meanwhile, the 4mile Puma Service station is running low on petrol currently. Assistant Manager Jasmine Mana stated that they have 3,800 Litres remaining and will only serve 1, 800 litres of petrol fuel and will close for today. “We will cut off at 2, 000 litres, close for today and wait for the tanker to come in to re-fill the petrol tank.” She added that since the morning, motor vehicles have rushed in to re-fill their tanks. “The line went out to the main road and slowly went down by 9:30 to 10am that’s why we’re running short of fuel now.” Meanwhile, over at the 5 mile Mobil Service station, Supervisor Eugene Orea said, they are serving their last petrol fuel and will close of the line once it finishes. “We have 2 tanks for diesel. Tank number three has 13, 000 litres of petrol and tank two has 6, 000 litres but has already gone down due to the demand and we do not know when and what time the fuel truck will come to refill.” Orea further indicated that if the servo runs out of petrol they will close by 4pm this afternoon. All services stations contacted have confirmed though, that all prices for fuel are stable at this time.

The Dolphins will have the services of star fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow until at least the end of the 2027 season after extending his current deal out to a five-year contract. After initially signing a two-year deal in 2022 to become the club's inaugural fullback, the 21-year-old has been rewarded for a stunning start to the season which has seen him score eight tries in seven games, including the club's first ever four-pointer against the Roosters in Round 1. Dolphins’ chief executive Terry Reader said Tabuai-Fidow's outstanding form had been a key factor in brokering the long-term deal. “It is so pleasing that Hamiso has shown the form we believed he was capable of and demonstrated just what a match winner he can be,” Reader said. “He came to the Dolphins on the chance to assert himself as a fullback - an opportunity we must sincerely thank the Cowboys for in allowing Hamiso a release to take up that challenge. “We look forward to the many years our members and fans will enjoy seeing ‘The Hammer’ stride out into open space for the Dolphins.” Tabuai-Fidow joins incoming signings Tom Flegler and Herbie Farnworth as players signed beyond the 2025 season with the NRL's newest club. Source: NRL.Com

Ten primary school teachers on Lihir Island in the New Ireland province graduated in March from Divine Word University with bachelor’s degrees in Primary Education. They are pioneers of the Bachelor of Primary Education upgrade program that was set up under a partnership between Newcrest’s School to Mine Campus (STMC) and the Divine Word University Faculty of Education. Despite having fulltime teaching jobs, the teachers were able to complete the program successfully through a flexible learning arrangement, from April 2021 to September 2022 at the STMC in Lihir. Head of Department of the Faculty of Education at Divine Word University Kelaki Peter in congratulating the teachers on their achievement said, “I foresee a great future and potential for the teachers on the island through this program and see the young generation on this island contribute meaningfully to the development of PNG.” Anastasia Tukata from Londolovit village on Lihir, said the program helped build her confidence, and helped in her writing, thinking and planning. Previously an assistant teacher at Newcrest-owned Lihir International School (LIS), Ms. Tukata commenced classroom teaching this year after completing the program and is the first Lihirian teacher at LIS. She is currently teaching Grade 4. In a thankyou note the Lihirian teachers; Ms Tukata, Daisy Moab (Samo), Donald Tokpalum (Mazuz) and Andrea Kiapital Lamsing (Masahet island) conveyed their deepest thanks to the STMC and Newcrest for this great opportunity to open doors for such programs on the island. The teachers applauded Newcrest’s support in paying 50 per cent of their fees for each semester and for providing them quality facilities and catering for the lecturers at the campus.” “It has been of benefit to us Lihir teachers and we would encourage other Lihir teachers, especially in the field, to take up this program as well.” STMC Deputy Principal Kevin Collins said that the Bachelor of Primary Education (In-Service) Program run by STMC aims to up-skill teachers to improve teaching and learning in primary schools on Lihir. “The teachers had access to our STMC Computer Lab and were supported by the STMC teachers throughout the semester to complete and submit the required assessment,” Mr. Collins said. The STMC through Newcrest supported the program by assisting Divine Word University lecturers to travel to site, paying lecturer fees and travel expenses and providing a venue.

The United Kingdom’s Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs Rt. Hon. James Cleverly, paid a visit today to the Port Moresby General Hospital’s Pathology Laboratory to see how machines which were procured through the UK Fleming Fund project were being used. The PHGM Laboratory carried out clinical specimens to obtain information about the health of a patient to aid in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases. James Cleverly said that this was his first time to visit the country and he was pleased to see the work the scientist and doctors at PMGH are currently carrying out with the clinical instruments through funding support from the UK government. “The equipment that we’ve just seen, the ability to analyze microorganisms effectively and quickly is incredibly important." "And the work that you do supports your society here and now, but off cause in the future. I’m very pleased that it has been facilitated with the help of the Fleming Fund, funded by the UK people to support our friends here in PNG and here in PMGH.” Meanwhile, PMGH Director for Medical Services, Dr. Koni Sobi thanked the UK president for gracing the hospital with his presence and also continuing support to the PMGH Laboratory. “Through the Fleming Fund country grant, we are able to improve and enhance the capacity of the microbiology activity here in Port Moresby General Hospital." “This goes a long way to serve and improve clinical practice here in the country."

The Papua New Guinea Football Association (PNGFA) has declared 2023 as the Year of Compliance and Good Governance. PNGFA Member Association Manager Stanley Khanna issued the challenge calling on all 18 Member Associations (MAs) to comply with requirements to become a member of the football family. "The foremost is all MAs must have bank account, must have playing venue or secure a venue, run the weekly competition, must have its statues and by-laws plus others to be recognized." "PNGFA under the leadership of President John Kapi Natto has been too lenient on this since taking office but this has now changed." Mr. Khanna said Mr. Kapi Natto publicly announced during its Congress in Madang last month that any MAs that has a problem must contact Mr. Khanna for clarification or assistance. "Mr. Khanna is the bridge between MAs and PNGFA office. He is the ear and mouth of PNGFA," Kapi Natto told the Congress in Madang. Mr. Khanna since taking office has been working hard to get forgotten MAs back to PNGFA family. So far, Vanimo, Wewak, Alotau and Popondetta have been re-admitted as provisional members and are working towards attaining their full membership. PNGFA is now working to have Kerema, East New Britain, Kavieng, Jiwaka and Hela to be part of the Football family. Khanna said PNGFA has amalgamated Kokopo Soccer Association and the Kokopo Urban Football Association to become East New Britain Soccer Association. They are expected to hold its meeting in three weeks’ time for proper election. "We are working toward going to Jiwaka and Hela in the Highlands region, then we cover whole of Papua New Guinea", Mr. Khanna said. He encouraged all the MAs to contact his office if they have any problems or queries regarding their membership.

Vital vaccines for COVID- 19 and for Routine Immunization have been discarded at the Kerema Provincial Hospital in Gulf province three days ago due to the power outage. Gulf Provincial Deputy Director for Public Health Mr. Ben Bal said that the hospital has been operating without power for two weeks and have discarded their vaccines due to some of them getting expired and as well as the power outage at the hospital. “The hospital has been operating without power because there is no stand-by generator and there is no support from the National Department of Health (NDoH) and no one is stepping in to help or assist.” Meanwhile, the Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Board and the Kerema Provincial Hospital have no appointed Chief Executive Officer for nearly seven months now. Mr. Bal expressed great disappointment of no appointments been done yet and has made a call to NDoH to step-in and do their job.  

Sydney Roosters players are confident axed halfback Sam Walker will quickly bounce back as they welcome the return of Kangaroos forward Angus Crichton for the ANZAC Day clash with St George Illawarra. Roosters coach Trent Robinson sprung the biggest selection bombshell of the season when he dropped Walker and moved Kiwi superstar Joey Manu to partner Luke Keary in the halves after back-to-back losses to the Storm and Sharks. Manu was awarded the IRL Golden Boot before last November’s World Cup final as the 2022 international player of the year and moving him closer to the ball will ensure he has greater involvement. However, Walker made his 50th NRL appearance just three weeks ago and team-mates say the 20-year-old, who is widely touted as a future Queensland Origin representative, will benefit from a stint in NSW Cup. “I am sure he will cop it on the chin, take a lot of lessons from it and work on his craft,” Tonga and NSW winger Daniel Tupou said. He will probably get a bit of time to reflect and work on his game. "He is a confident player and he is going to be a superstar.” [caption id="attachment_39018" align="alignnone" width="840"] Walker was a member of last year's extended Maroons squad and is a touted as a future Origin star ©NRL Photos[/caption] Prop Matt Lodge said it was an opportunity for Walker to enjoy his football with less pressure on him to perform. “Personally, I have played with a lot of halves, but Sam Walker can do things that pretty much no one else can because he is a special player,” Lodge said. I think the game in general puts a lot of pressure on these young guys to nail every part of their game. “[Halfback] is probably the hardest position on the field, and I think history shows that takes time so he is doing an unreal job. “He is a 10-to15 year first grader, easily. He has got the world at his feet and all the time to do it, but no-one can be in top form for 15 years in a career.” Paul Momirovski replaces Walker after making his return last weekend for North Sydney and he will play in the centres, with Manu, who played fullback two weeks ago in the absence of captain James Tedesco, shifting to five-eighth. Manu missed the start of the season after suffering facial fractures during a training camp in Queenstown and received a suspension after the Round 3 clash with South Sydney that sidelined him until the match in Melbourne two weeks ago. He and Tedesco have barely played together this season as the Australian and NSW captain was concussed in the Round 5 triumph against Parramatta and missed the Storm match due to the NRL’s 11-day mandatory stand-down period. [caption id="attachment_39020" align="alignnone" width="840"] Joey Manu will shift to five-eighth against the Dragons[/caption] With Crichton last weekend playing his first match since the World Cup final against Newtown, in a side which included former Eels second-rower Nathan Brown and ex-Maroons prop Dylan Napa, the Roosters are nearing full strength. Crichton will start in the second-row for next Tuesday’s match against the Dragons at Allianz Stadium, while Tonga international Sitili Tupouniua has been named on the interchange after making his comeback for the Bears last weekend. “I think first and foremost it is good to see him healthy and he is happy,” Lodge said of Crichton. “I personally love playing with him. “I rate him as one of the best backrowers in the comp, and I am sure that the physicality he brings to the team is going to get everyone else up. He gets us on the front foot in defence and attack so it is great to have him back.” In a further boost for the Roosters, Tupou revealed that he was close to finalising a new deal with the club. Source: NRL.Com

The SP PNG Hunters Head coach Stanly Tepend expressed disappointed with his side's loss after the team couldn’t overcome an impressive Northern Pride outfit on over the weekend, falling short 34-14 at Barlow Park, Cairns in Round 5 of the QRL Hostplus Cup. As they have done in almost every game this season, the Hunters successfully defended their try line in the opening stages. The Pride enjoyed back-to-back attacking sets courtesy of some Hunters ill-discipline but couldn’t find a way through the PNG defence. Taking confidence from their resilience without the ball, the Hunters charged upfield themselves to find easy metres around the ruck. Pride did well to contain PNG’s fifth tackle options through, and the game quickly settled into a grind. Just as the Hunters began looking for someone to swing the momentum, halfback Judah Rimbu faked to kick on the last tackle before quickly swinging the ball to the right edge. Rodrick Tai was his target, and the strike centre made the most of Rimbu’s eyes-up play to burn his opposite man, streak down the touchline and score in the corner. For all their skill in attack, the Hunters ill-discipline in defense continued to make it too easy for the Pride. Six-again infringements and yardage penalties allowed the home side an easy route to the Hunters try line. It looked like PNG had stopped the flow of points at 18-4, but a stroke of luck right on halftime saw Lui bag his second when he charged down a Sakias Komati kick to score under the posts. The territorial pressure eventually drew a penalty for a high shot on Rimbu, and his halves partner Komati sliced through to score just two tackles later. The Hunters had all the momentum and looked like reducing the 14-point lead further, until Pride winger Rhy Young crossed in the 59th minute against the run of play. A perfectly weighted cross-field kick found Young in space out wide, taking the score to 28-10 in the final quarter. Starting down a three-score deficit, the Hunters began throwing caution to the wind. They had some luck in yardage by moving the ball to the edges but the home side stayed resilient, eventually forcing errors with their defense. SP PNG Hunters Head Coach Stanley Tepend was disappointed with his side's performance. "The boys are hurting," said Tepend. "That was a really disappointing performance from us today." "That was a winnable game for us but we've got to be more disciplined." "We know we're a talented side but you don't need talent to get back onside or hold the ball." "We didn't get the basics right." With a quick turn-around this week before facing the Bears at Burleigh next Saturday, Tepend said there is plenty of work to be done. "We'll have a look at ourselves and where we can improve before next week." "It's a tough game coming up but that's what this competition is all about - turning up each week."

The newcomers the EMK Sepik Pride displayed a stunning game of rugby league at the Santos National Football Stadium on Sunday as they smashed Gulf Isou 14-8 in the second match played in Round 1 of the Digicel ExxonMobil Cup. The game was tough as a needle lost in a hay stack as both rivalries physically clashed it out in front of a crowd in favor of the Pride’s which resulted in two fights on the field. Both teams displayed a very strong defense play with only 2 points on the score board at first half. Coming back at second half and only 4mins into the game, Gulf Isou’s five-eight Justin Yoka surprisingly got a runaway with assistance from Eliakim Lukala (right-center) putting their first try with an unsuccessful conversion taking them to 8-0. Meanwhile, Sepik Prides left-center Joe Frank puts their first try with an unsuccessful conversion leaving the scores at 8-4 still in favor of Gulf Isou. With only 14mins left on the clock, another try by Pride’s right-center Lizah Iwa followed by a missed conversion, equalizing the score board to 8-8. The last try by the Pride’s putting them in the lead with 14-8 by John Paul who also got the man of the match award. EMK Sepik Pride Head Coach Joe Bruno said, it’s only round one of the competition and getting the first win is normal because anything can happen throughout the competition. “It’s a great win for the Sepik people back at home,I don’t know, maybe, there breaking the TV screens now , but I don’t know. It’s first time in history for us and our boys back home looking after the fields told us that it’s a must win and with the results, it’s a grand final win feeling for our supports back home.” Coach Bruno also mentioned that, Watson Boas was unable to take the field due to the top management from England and PNGRFL’s decision with no further comments on the reason why he didn’t take the field. This will be further determined by the both top managements on when he will take the field. “We got a last minute call from them advising us that he was not able to take the field that’s why we changed our line-up.” The Pride’s only fielded four experienced players, a few from the Digicel Cup and the rest were all rookies playing in the team.