Paula DAVID

A video of the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Mortuary is currently being widely viewed and shared on social media on the state of the facility. The mortuary is a function of National Capital District Commission (NCDC), unfortunately this facility is at PMGH and PMGH is forced to take on the function. PMGH in a statement on Monday said the mortuary cannot take on the load of a growing population. PMGH CEO Dr Paki Molumi said, "It's an everyday thing, only that it's now gone viral on social media." "As of Monday 2nd of January 2023 around lunch time, there were 20 bodies in the layout." "The morgue is extremely overcrowded largely due to relatives not picking up bodies in a timely manner." There is accumulation of bodies more than is removed on a daily basis. Dr Molumi further said that clearance documents to media and Coroner's warrant of burial are all in order as of last week and a mass burial is expected this week. "Moving forward into 2023, the Government through donor partners allocated funds to address the long standing mortuary issue." Meanwhile, National Doctors Association President Dr. James Naipao said, the situation at the morgue at PMGH is a sad situation. The footage on Facebook revealed many things. “It revealed a full morgue, that relatives of the deceased are not burying the dead. This may also reveal the socioeconomic problem the country is facing at the moment and the situation the city is facing at the moment too.” The Morgue was built for a city’s population of 400, 000 in the 1990’s when the Japanese constructed part of the hospital and now the city’s population is well over 1.3 million. Right now, no extension to PMGH has been done to cater for well over 1.3 million people in the city in spite of availability of NCD Health services, private & military health services on ground. Dr, Naipao also stressed that the morgue at PMGH is the responsibility of the NCDC. “NCDC should now expand the morgue at PMGH.” Dr. Naipao added that the deceased are overcrowding the morgue and relatives of deceased should respect the bodies and give a respected accorded burial early rather than leaving the deceased in the morgue for weeks to months. "The blame should not fall of the hospital management and it’s Board for this situation." "This is a call out to NCDC to address the morgue crises and assist Port Moresby General Hospital."

A taxi driver in the city of Port Moresby was caught up in an armed robbery at Tuna Bay Resort after criminals pretending to be customers, forced him to transport them to the location yesterday, Friday 30th December where they robbed the place. Father of three Mr. Jonah Timos from Mt Hagen in the Western Highlands province, said while parked at Vadavada round-about patiently waiting for customers, three (3) well-dressed men hopped into his taxi and asked to be dropped off at Tuna Bay Resort, Taurama. Mr. Timos said there was nothing suspicious about the 3 men because of the way they dressed and they all had a normal conversation on their way to Tuna Bay. “The criminals hid their weapons so I couldn’t see them. They just told me that they were going to receive their payment from their boss at Tuna Bay,” he said. When they reached the gate and entered, he parked the car and through his rearview mirror he could see one of the men behind him suddenly wearing a mask. The 3 men then showed him 3 pistols and told him that if he didn’t cooperate with them, he would die. He pleaded for them to let him go and that it was okay for them to not pay the cab fee, but that did not go well with them because they wanted the taxi so to get away. The criminals took his phone along with K100 from his pocket and after doing their business at the resort, the three armed men used the taxi as a get-away car and left the owner stranded there. He said that after everything was done, he did not want to own up for the vehicle at first because he did not want the resort staff and management to suspect or think that he was part of the group because no one was outside and witnessed what had happened initially. He said he rushed out and got on a PMV bus to file a report at the police station. It was believed that during that time the criminals fled towards Mahuru, but abandoned the taxi because the Police SSD unit had already setup a roadblock at Mahuru. He confirmed that the taxi is currently at Hohola Police Station. After knowing that his taxi was in a safe location, he returned to Tuna Bay Resort, explained himself and apologized for fleeing the scene in such a manner without explaining what had really happened. Meanwhile, he is urging all taxi drivers and operators to take note of what had happened and to stay on alert this festive period.

The NCD Governor's Cup round- robin matches will end today after the tournament kicked off in the nation's capital on Tuesday 27th December. The tournament has about 48 teams participating with all matches played out at the Ipi Park at Hohola. Hohola Ipi Park Pool C Venue Coordinator Mr. Alex Kis said there are 4 pools with 12 teams in each of the pools. He said after the third round- robin games today, they will pick the top 16 teams to go into the knock-outs. “After the knock out matches, they will then go into the quarter finals, semis and then the grand final match which is likely to end during the first or second week of 2023 with a total cash prize of K20, 000.” He added that the purpose of the tournament is to deliver good games for the people living within NCD. “Security is an issue that we are currently dealing with because it’s an open space and anyone can do anything. Apart from that, we are also working on the timing for all games. ” The initial starting time for each day of matches is 8:30am, but due to administrative delays and the weather condition, the games started off later during the day. “The main purpose of the game is to bring together youths or young talented men into the competition and train them to be self-disciplined rugby players who are committed to go further through sports.” “This is another way of helping our young rugby players to stay away from trouble and do something useful like staying fit and healthy as it is one health benefit.” He also mentioned that there are only 2 female teams who registered for this year’s NCD Governors tournament. “Because we only have 2 female teams they will play the curtain-racer game for the grand final and both teams will be awarded some consolation prizes.”

People are been urged to call the ambulance in an event when there’s an accident with casualties or if the patient is severely unwell. Chief Medical Officer of St John Ambulance (SJA) & Specialist Emergency Physician at the Port Moresby General Hospital Dr Mangu Kendino said, in the event that any injury has occurred or the out-patient is severely unwell, the by-standers or the family of the patient who is unwell are required to call the ambulance as soon as possible. Injuries can potentially get worse when handled incorrectly and therefore, in a fall, assault or particularly a motor-vehicle accident, it is recommended that by-standers and family of the patient must call the ambulance immediately so that the trained personnel can safely package the patient or casualty to the hospital. “This prevents things like excessive hemorrhage (excessive blood loss-internal or external) or destabilizing cervical injuries and even destabilizing cloths or anything that can happen if there’s internal bleeding.” “It’s extremely important to call 111.” Dr. Kendino said this makes the transfer of the patient much easier when on an ambulance because it is the correct vehicle with the right space and has interventions like the oxygen supply which can be provided to a patient in need of it. The SJA toll free number is free as well as the ambulance service to all Papua New Guineans who need care at a public hospital in an emergency.

Double celebrations for Warangoi Rural Hospital in East New Britain that recorded two babies born on Christmas day. Warangoi Rural Hospital Sister-in-Charge & Mid-Wife Rosemary Sylvester says, apart from both baby boys successfully delivered, the out-patient ward was quiet with no patients. “Both baby boys were delivered normal and are in good health, one being 3.5kg and the other weighing 3kg.” “Apart from this, the out-patient ward was really quiet and had no patients there until this morning but with only minor issues reported.” She added that, though medical supply of drugs is always an issued face at all hospitals, they have enough to get them through this festive period. Meanwhile she is appealing to the general public to celebrate responsibly this festive period. “Christmas and New Year is a peak period were there are a lot of accident related cases reported and we don’t want to see that. But so far so good because this Christmas period, we did not receive any accident or alcohol related cases.” Meanwhile, the rain has proven its worth with the much needed help and assistance by filling up the tanks at the Warangoi Rural Hospital to help out with its operations. Sr Sylvester said they are in full swing with their operations at the rural hospital with no issues faced at this time. "Despite the wet season were in now, there’s no cases of malaria or flu or any of that sort reported at the hospital yet."

The Port Moresby General Hospital is considering charging fees to people under the influence of alcohol when trying to seek medical attention at the hospital. PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi said they are looking at putting in some fees for those who come intoxicated. There’s been a lot of intoxicated persons coming into the emergency department (ED) and abuse the staff verbally and physically. For this sake, they are looking at putting in some fees so that the general public can take some responsibility when drinking. “There are processes that we need to get approval from the board before we start bringing the fees forward.” The management is looking at these options and once it goes through the process, they should have these fees upfront at the ED.

Three more days to Christmas and the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has been handling quite a number of cases at its Emergency ward. PMGH Chief Executive officer Dr. Paki Molumi said the hospital sees almost six-to-seven hundred (600-700) patients a day and most of these are trauma cases. “More than 50% of trauma cases are alcohol & fight related cases that results to people getting knife wounds and ending up at the hospital.” He further extended an appeal to the general public to keep safe and celebrate responsibly this festive season. "City residents are urged to take care of themselves because they only have 6 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds at this time." Dr. Molumi added people may complain about the emergency ward been overcrowded and not having enough beds for its patients but that is because the hospital serves people from all parts of Central, Gulf and NCD. “People from all parts of the 3 areas end up at PMGH because there is no level-5 hospital for Central province, no other hospital in NCD or district hospitals in the 3 electorate to serve the people of NCD and Gerehu is a level 4 District Hospital.” What's more is on average 14-15 thousand babies are delivered per year and that’s up to 45-50 babies per day at PHGM because that is the only public labor ward health facility for mother’s to go to and deliver their babies. “With a lot of trauma cases reported, there is not enough beds to take care of people who need intensive care." He said this following their reports of a good number of knife wound cases seen at the emergency department. "We are urging the public that PMHG is stressed to the limit and appeal to everyone to enjoy the festive period peacefully sto help the hospital out by managing the load with a less number of patients this festive period. Although they are operating on limited medical resources, Dr.Molumi has reassured the people of Port Moresby that PMGH is well prepared for the festive season that’s days away.

Five days away from Christmas and the festive season is here now. During this time, city residents of Port Moresby are urged to take care of yourselves. Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGEN) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Paki Molumi extends this call to the public adding the hospital has seen a lot of trauma cases in past weeks. Dr Molumi is urging all residents to take extra care during this festive holidays. “POM GEN is the central hub that receives patients not only from NCD but parts of Gulf and the Central Province who come in to seek medical treatment and medical resources are short at this time that’s why everyone must look after themselves during this time.” "I further urge everyone to take care of themselves and avoid getting into unnecessary trouble or accidents as drugs and necessary medical supplies are short at this time."

A formal complaint will be laid at the Police Station by the Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGEN) due to the incident that occured over the weekend at the PMGH Emergency Ward by a drunken Defense Force personnel. According to Port Moresby General Hospital CEO Dr. Paki Molumi, the solder was under the influence of alcohol when he entered the Emergency Ward and demanded to be served. “But due to a lot of patients and not been served at his request, the solder threw a tantrum and destroyed one of the vital electronic machines used to measure patients’ blood pressure at the emergency ward.” Dr. Molumi said the soldier has been identified and will be dealt with accordingly by the PNG Defense Force. Molumi added that this is not the first time and a formal protest letter will be written to the Defense force regarding the issue. Meanwhile, as the festive season is coming near the general public are urged to take care of themselves during this time.

Since the last COVID-19 update given by the National Control Center, the number of cases in the National Capital District (NCD) has seen a decline. NCD Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Steven Yennie said that the statistics have declined rapidly because of the number of people getting the vaccine have increased. He said this is because all the health facilities in NCD are rolling out the vaccine for those who want to be vaccinated. “For vaccination, we got a very good coverage for vaccination in NCD. Our team is very active in terms of carrying out the COVID vaccinations in all our health facilities.” He said they have amalgamated all their COVID-19 vaccination programs into all the health facilities as COVID is part of life now in NCD and every health facility is carrying that out.   Although NCD had seen the highest number of COVID cases since the last report, Dr. Yennie is now happy that people are paying attention to the dangers of COVID and getting vaccinated. Meanwhile, Dr. Yennie is urging the public to be mindful of the COVID-19 protocols this festive season. this is because the festive period will see a lot of gatherings of people and that is a potential spreader of the virus. “Even though the mandatory masking protocol has been uplifted, everyone must take note of this and wear a mask if needed to avoid contracting the virus.”

A high-level team of specialist medical doctors from China, based at the Port Moresby General Hospital in the National Capital District, marked 20 years of their services in the country. The team of doctors specialized in minimal invasive surgical procedures have worked closely for the past 20 years with local doctors to serve the people of PNG with excellent medical skills and training. At the ceremony to mark the dedication and service of the Chinese Medical team, witnessed by the Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko, and PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi, Chinese Ambassador to PNG Zeng Fanhua said, the China medical team comprised of selected high-level medical staff based at the hospital who work closely with local colleagues to serve PNG people. “At the request of the PNG government, the Chinese government has been sending medical teams to PNG for 20 years now. And this is the 12th China medical team in the country.” He added that they are willing to continue such a successful cooperation and their embassy is negotiating the extension of this cooperation with the Department of Health and hopes to reach a consensus as soon as possible. National Department of Health Secretary Dr. Osbourne Liko said, the minimally invasive surgical procedures basically means that no major surgical operation (cutting the body open to operate) but with the newly donated medical instruments from the China Medical team and the Chinese Government, they will help a lot families to have quick recovery and short bed stays at the hospitals. “The Government of PNG really appreciates this relationship and partnership we have. And according to our health plan as alluded, Port Moresby General Hospital is the National Referral Teaching Hospital. And we must strengthen our health facilities with work force and skills, manpower training and high tech equipment like the ones donated by the China Medical team, so that our families won’t have to travel out to seek medical attending.” Captain of the 12th China Medical team Cheng Gang said, the instruments they donated include some conventional instruments and a series of minimally invasive surgical instruments including laparoscopic camera, stapler, trocar, ultrosonic scalpel, monopolar electro-coagulation hood and many more. Gang said, they will make the best of the center to carry out minimally invasive technology trainings and conduct online academic exchanges between PNG & China. “We will continue to work with our colleagues in PNG to safeguard the health of PNG people and strive to build a community of common health for mankind.”

One of the major undertakings of the government in the Education Sector is the full upgrade of the current school of Medicine and Health Sciences to be the new PNG University of Medicine and Health Sciences, says the Minsiter for Finance and Planning Rainbo Paita. This was announced when the 2023 budget was drawn out at parliament. "This is a project is a priority investment of this government and we have committed a total of K50 million to go towards the new PNG University of Medicine and Health Sciences, says Minister Paita." This when established will ensure increased number of doctors and medical professionals graduate and are engaged into the provincial and district health systems. The Education sector was allocated a total expenditure budget of K1.3 billion with the key priorities to live no child behind in the primary and secondary education, to increase the intake of tertiary students, build technical schools for TVET and to further opportunities with FODE. Minister Paita stressed that the Government Tuition Fee Subsidy(GTFS/TFF) has seen a significant increase in funding to continue the policy of paying project fees as well as school fees to ease the burden of parents every year. The government has allocated K766.4 million towards GTFS, K14.51 million to better curriculum development materials and K7.i million towards secondary school equipment. "While the government will continue to support the lower education subsidy programs, there is a need for our training institutions to be supported adequately to produce quality teachers in significant numbers to complement our lower education needs, said Minister Paita." He said they have allocated funding of K126 million to the higher education sector, particularly for teachers colleges and nursing colleges that are supporting the capacity of provincial and district hospitals. The other priority investments include: K46.1 million to go towards the improvements for Primary, Secondary and High schools • K10 million for School of excellence infrastructure programs •K56.6 million to be invested into TVET and trade skills education •K12 million to go towards Technical and business colleges and •K87 million to go towards investments for tertiary institutions infrastructure Minister Paita stated that there are about 36, 000 school leavers every year and the higher education system can only take 8, 000 of these school leavers(22%). "The government is also considering to introduce the Compulsory National Service to absorb these school leavers and instill discipline and mold respectful citizens for the future, said Minister Paita." In the medium term, they will also look into the viability of establishing and upgrading the current Pacific Institute of Leadership and Governance to a Public Service University that is dedicated to training future public servants directly from college.