The Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) Board expressed satisfaction with the progress of the new Cancer Facility and the National Heart Centre at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH). However, concerns were also raised with regards to other infrastructure initiatives by the company.
Successful Progress at PMGH Cancer and Heart Facilities. Scheduled for opening next month, Kumul Petroleum has invested K10 million to support the completion of structural works on the Cancer Facility, including the foundation works for two cancer bunkers.
This success is directly attributed to the direct participation of the Port Moresby General Hospital management and Board, combined with the oversight of construction by an independent Project Manager. Once operational, the Cancer Treatment Facility will improve access to lifesaving cancer treatment services within PNG, reducing the need for patients to seek costly treatment overseas.
During a site visit facilitated by PMGH Chief Executive Officer Paki Molume and his team, KPHL Chairman Isaac Lupari, board director Jacob Anga, and acting Managing Director Luke Liria inspected the progress and visited the Kumul Petroleum National Heart Centre.
Chairman Lupari emphasized that these healthcare investments align with national development strategies, echoing the company's broader efforts such as committing over K50 million to restore the Cardiac Centre at the Port Moresby General Hospital.
KPHL’s investment in the National Heart Centre (Cardiac Unit) has already improved the nation’s capacity to diagnose and treat cardiovascular diseases, which is one of the leading causes of deaths in PNG. Concerns, Forensic Audit, and Path Forward for the Surgical Theatre Project In sharp contrast to the collaborative success of the cancer and health facilities, the Board addressed severe concerns regarding the Surgical Ward project.
The Surgical Ward project was separately managed by a group of external project managers, and according to KPHL and the Hospital Management Team, had no control or oversight. Furthermore, the PMGH management and decision-making team had no direct role in the design and construction of PMGH. Despite the lack of local governance, the project incurred millions of funds belonging to the people, reaching almost K70 million.
Despite the substantial investment, there is no visible development on the ground. Consequently, the Board expressed huge disappointment in the manner KPHL had managed the project. A forensic audit has been conducted under the direction of the Trustee and Government.
The findings of the audit will be scrutinized, and appropriate actions will be instituted to recover the money and ensure accountability. Recognizing that the surgical ward is a vital part of the hospital operation, KPHL will reexamine the scope, design, funding and execution architecture of the project with a view to salvaging this critical project.
