Port Moresby General Hospital

07/08/2025

| 14-Year-Old Nomasi Koti Receives Life-Changing Cornea Transplant at Port Moresby General Hospital

Fourteen-year-old Nomasi Koti has been given a second chance to see, following a successful cornea transplant surgery performed on Wednesday, 30 July 2025 at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH).

Nomasi was the youngest among five patients — the others being adults — who received sight-saving procedures from the hospital’s ophthalmology surgical team, led by ophthalmologist Dr. Helai Baru.

Nomasi’s mother, Honie, shared that her son sustained an injury to his left eye while playing with a knife in 2024. Since then, he had endured significant trauma and vision loss.

Chief Ophthalmologist Dr. Jambi Garap expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Sri Lanka Association of PNG for reviving the cornea donation program, which made Nomasi’s surgery possible.

“The first batch of donated corneas arrived last year (2024), saving two adult patients. Two more transplants were performed in January this year, and in July, we successfully operated on Nomasi and another adult patient,” said Dr. Garap. “We are using cornea donations from the Sri Lanka Eye Society. The program began in 1995 but was discontinued in 2016. Thanks to renewed efforts, it was revived in 2024.”

Dr. Garap emphasized that post-operative care is essential, including regular follow-up visits and cornea reviews to ensure the transplanted tissue remains healthy and functional.

PMGH CEO Dr. P**i Molumi commended the ophthalmology team for their dedication to advancing cornea care and strengthening the hospital’s partnership with the Sri Lanka Association of PNG.

“We are deeply grateful to the Eye Society of Sri Lanka for their generous donation of corneal tissues, which is helping to improve the quality of eye care for Papua New Guineans,” said Dr. Molumi.

05/08/2025

Prime Minister of New Zealand Visits Port Moresby General Hospital, Highlights Eye Health Partnership

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, the Honourable Christopher Luxon, paid a special visit to Port Moresby General Hospital on Tuesday, 5th August, where he toured the construction site of the Papua New Guinea Centre for Eye Health — a vital facility currently taking shape through the support of the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.

The visit formed part of Prime Minister Luxon’s official program in Papua New Guinea, reflecting New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the health partnership between the two Pacific neighbours.

“New Zealand is incredibly proud to contribute to this national centre which will help to address the eye health needs facing Papua New Guinea, which has one of the highest rates of blindness globally. This is one of the largest investments in eye care globally through official development assistance,” stated Prime Minister Luxon.

“Together, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Fred Hollows and other donor partners are establishing a purpose-built national facility for eye health. One that will actually enable the training of health professionals and the delivery of surgical care. The centre will also help address gender disparities in access to eye care, which disproportionately affect women and girls.”

“This investment is part of New Zealand's broader and longstanding commitment to improving health in Papua New Guinea. Health is currently our largest sector of development cooperation.”

Papua New Guinea’s Health Minister, Honourable Elias Kapavore, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to promoting eye care as a vital component of public health. He noted that once completed, the PNG Centre for Eye Health will train eye doctors, nurses, and ophthalmologists, helping to build a robust eye care workforce. The centre will also provide specialised services and support outreach programs across the provinces.

Minister Kapavore expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ and acknowledged Prime Minister Luxon’s continued support.

In his remarks, Dr P**i Molumi, CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, highlighted the evolving partnership between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea in the health sector. He noted that the collaboration spans many years and encompasses a wide range of initiatives.

Dr Molumi thanked the Government and people of New Zealand for their significant contribution to establishing Papua New Guinea’s first dedicated eye training hospital, describing the Centre for Eye Health as a powerful example of what strong international partnerships can achieve.

02/08/2025

01/08/2025

Public Notice: Assistance for Neglected Patient at PMGH

20/07/2025

Strategic Planning in Focus at PMGH’s Mid-Year Review and 2026 AIP Workshop

From 16th to 18th July, the Port Moresby General Hospital hosted its Mid-Year Review and 2026 AIP planning Workshop bringing together clinical coordinators, division managers, OIC’s and all nurse unit managers.

With the aim to review the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for 2025 and align hospital operations with national priorities, the program covered presentations from the medical, nursing and corporate services division where each of the coordinators and managers highlighted:
o What was achieved and what is yet to be achieved
o Budget
o Issues and challenges
o Key Action Areas for balance of 2025
o AIP for 2026 with estimated costing

Speaking on behalf of the Health Secretary, Mr Ken Wai, was the Deputy Secretary for Medical Services, Dr Dora Lenturut-Katal who reiterated the need for collaboration, prioritization, and innovation in health service delivery.

She emphasised to the clinicians and managers to monitor and asses their AIP’s as well as to plan ahead and manage its activities in quarterly phases, prioritizing deliverables that could realistically be achieved in short, medium, and long terms.

Dr Lenturut reminded the team that PMGH is not just a provincial hospital but a national institution, as reflected in the National Health Plan 2021–2030. She stated that PMGH holds multiple roles as a referral, research, and teaching hospital, and must continue aligning its corporate plans and annual implementation plans with the broader national health agenda.

CEO of PMGH, Dr P**i Molumi reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to ensuring that no Papua New Guinean needs to seek medical treatment overseas, a vision also endorsed by the Prime Minister.

“While challenges such as overcrowding persist, they stem from gaps in primary care, not PMGH’s mandate. Still, we continue to provide essential services alongside our core responsibility of specialist care,” said Dr. Molumi.

He commended the various departments for their performance, urging continued collaboration towards strategic goals and to strive for better results in the next quarter. He stated that through team effort, the hospital was able to achieve key objectives.

The three-day workshop reviewed departmental and unit plans, identified gaps, and collaboratively explored practical and strategic solutions for the next quarter and for 2026.

19/07/2025

Media Release | Groundbreaking surgeries at PMGH for stroke and cardiac care: First Neuro-thrombectomy & First left heart bypass surgery.

11/07/2025

NINE of the 10 children underwent successful procedures — eight paediatric open-heart surgeries and one device closure.

11/07/2025

Saving Lives Through Partnerships

A heartwarming collaboration between Air Niugini, PMGH, and Operation Open Heart Foundation has given three boys from Hela Province a second chance at life.

Diagnosed with critical congenital heart conditions, 10-year-old Nathan Kopi underwent closed-heart surgery, while brothers Rickson Philip (10) and 8-year-old Undialu Philip received closed-and open-heart surgeries respectively, all made possible through the generosity of Air Niugini, who flew them into Port Moresby for treatment.

It has been a week since their successful surgery and today, the boys stood tall and smiling, presenting traditional bilums and PNG shirts to Air Niugini CEO, Gary Seddon and Chief Commercial Officer, David Glover, as a heartfelt 'thank you' for their generous support.

The CEO of Air Niugini expressed deep appreciation for the remarkable efforts of the medical professionals involved in the Operation Open Heart program, referring to them as “angels” for the life-saving work they do. He acknowledged that while Air Niugini played only a small part in the larger picture, it was a privilege for the airline to support such a vital cause.

“We look forward to being part of this program for many years to come. We will continue to support it. We will continue to embrace any idea or innovation or need that comes our way that gives one chance, 10 chances, 100 chances to children to live a better and more fulfilled life,” stated Mr Seddon.

On behalf of the board and management of PMGH, Acting CEO Dr Kone Sobi acknowledged and expressed sincere gratitude to Air Niugini, OOHF, the visiting cardiac team from Singapore and staff of PMGH who have contributed to making vital specialist cardiac care available for children with heart conditions.

“We have so much challenges around us, but I think together with such collaboration and partnerships, we can deliver the best healthcare in our circumstances,” Dr Sobi said.

Also expressing heartfelt appreciation was Dr Noah Tapaua, Senior Sub-Specialist Medical Officer (Specialist Cardiothoracic Surgeon) at PMGH and Deputy Chair of the OOHF. He noted Air Niugini’s support over the years which has been instrumental in delivering critical cardiac care.

Dr Tapaua stated that congenital heart disease will continue to affect children at a global rate of around 8 per thousand annually, a figure that remains consistent worldwide and added that the service they had established would help many unfortunate children, and that many of them would live to adulthood if treated. He said that going forward, he believed that the small service would grow bigger because of the support from all stakeholders – local and international.

Following successful surgeries, the boys are now recovering well and preparing to return home with renewed health and hope, a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and shared commitment to saving lives.

L-R: Dr Noah Tapaua, Senior Sub-Specialist Medical Officer (Specialist Cardiothoracic Surgeon) at PMGH and Deputy Chair of the OOHF; Dr Kone Sobi, Acting CEO of PMGH and Director Medical Service; Mr. David Glover, Chief Commercial Officer, Air Niugini; Mr. Gary Seddon, Chief Executive Officer, Air Niugini; Mrs. Judy K*k, Chief Financial Officer, Air Niugini; Ms Jane Huka, Director Corporate Affairs, OOHF and Dr Diane Olita'a, Senior Paediatrician with the three young boys, Undialu, Nathan and Rickson.

11/07/2025

Baby Leinda Amof Under Close Observation at PMGH for Suspected Infantile Spasms

Port Moresby General Hospital Chief Executive Officer, Dr. P**i Molumi, has confirmed that 14-month-old baby Leinda Amof is currently in stable condition and receiving epilepsy treatment under the close care of PMGH’s paediatric team. The child is being further assessed for suspected infantile spasms, a rare and serious neurological condition.

Dr. Molumi stated that baby Leinda and her mother, Stephanie Joseph, were referred to PMGH from Boram General Hospital in Wewak, East Sepik Province, last Saturday for advanced medical evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosing infantile spasms involves a comprehensive medical evaluation, including a review of the infant’s medical history, physical and neurological examinations, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to detect any underlying brain abnormalities,” said Dr. Molumi.

He emphasized that the diagnosis and treatment of such complex conditions require a multidisciplinary approach, involving paediatricians, paediatric nurses, neurologists, radiologists, pathologists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists.

“PMGH is committed to ensuring a thorough and accurate diagnosis for baby Leinda, which is essential for determining the most effective treatment path,” Dr. Molumi added.

In a heartfelt interview, Stephanie Joseph shared that after posting about her daughter’s condition on social media, she received immediate support from the Health Minister, who facilitated the referral to PMGH. She expressed deep gratitude to Boram General Hospital for providing travel arrangements and to the paediatrician who accompanied them.

Stephanie also extended thanks to the individuals and organizations who supported her daughter’s medical emergency and expressed hope that PMGH will either confirm the correct epilepsy syndrome or recommend appropriate treatment options, including the possibility of overseas care.

Picture: From left – 25-year-old Stephanie Joseph, baby Leinda Amof, and Stephanie’s mother Bernadette Sikolai, currently admitted at PMGH’s Children’s Ward.

10/07/2025

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

SingHealth Team Returns to Port Moresby for Lifesaving Paediatric Heart Surgeries

From 30th June to 4th July, a team of healthcare professionals from Singapore Health Services (SingHealth) together with PMGH cardiac surgeons completed a week-long mission at Port Moresby General Hospital, successfully performing nine paediatric open-heart surgeries and one device closure.

This collaborative effort, supported by SingHealth’s KK Women's and Children's Hospital and (KKH) and the National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS), was led by Dr Ong Kim Kiat, Head of the Cardiothoracic Surgery Service, KKH, and Associate Professor Chua Yeow Leng, Senior Consultant, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, NHCS. Working closely with Dr Noah Tapaua and his team, the visiting team included doctors, nurses, and a perfusionist who jointly operated on children aged between 4 and 11 years old.

The initiative is supported by Operation Open Heart Foundation, a long-standing partner committed to building sustainable cardiac surgical services in Papua New Guinea.

“This is a continuation of the friendship and collaboration between POMGEN and SingHealth that has lasted more than a decade,” said Associate Prof Chua Yeow Leng. “We are glad to be back to help ramp up the capability and capacity of the local team.”

Dr Ong Kim Kiat, who led the paediatric surgery team, added, “This programme wouldn’t be successful without the support of the many parties working together to make it happen. I’m confident that in time to come, POMGEN will develop the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to perform paediatric open-heart surgeries independently.”

CEO of PMGH, Dr P**i Molumi acknowledged the ongoing partnership saying: “We are proud of this ongoing partnership with SingHealth, which continues to transform the lives of our children through lifesaving heart surgeries. These joint missions are more than just procedures, they represent a transfer of knowledge, a building of trust, and a shared vision for a stronger cardiac service in Papua New Guinea. We are grateful to all partners involved in this program.”

Speaking on behalf of the Operation Open Heart Foundation, Director of Corporate Affairs, Ms Jane Huka stated: “Operation Open Heart Foundation is dedicated to ensuring all children have access to lifesaving cardiac care, regardless of location. Our partnership with SingHealth and Port Moresby General Hospital strengthens sustainable, local expertise in Papua New Guinea.”

She thanked partners such as BSP, Ela Motors Toyota, Air Niugini, ExxonMobil PNG, and Sir Brian Bell Foundation for their support, and noted that fundraising efforts by the Valley Hunters Rugby Union Club and Hilton Port Moresby enabled the Foundation to host a team of eight healthcare professionals with six nights’ accommodation at Hilton Port Moresby.

This mission underscores SingHealth’s commitment to long-term partnerships that strengthen healthcare systems through shared training, service delivery, and capability development. It also highlights the vital importance of global collaboration in addressing the needs of vulnerable paediatric patients.

08/07/2025

Essential Pain Management Workshop | July 7–9, 2025

Port Moresby General Hospital kicked off Day 1 of the Essential Pain Management (EPM) workshop, bringing together staff from AIC, ED, Surgery, Psychiatry, ENT, O&G, Pharmacy, Dental, Internal Medicine, and Paediatrics.

This important training aims to build a strong foundation in pain management and promote a multidisciplinary approach to treating pain.

Facilitated by:
The Anaesthesia & Intensive Care Division, in collaboration with the School of Medicine & Health Sciences (SMHS) and the PNG Society of Anaesthetists and Intensivists (PNGSAI). The expert trainers are from the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA).

Day 1 of the EPM Workshop was a full day of interactive sessions, case discussions, and the RAT (Recognize, Assess, Treat) approach. The twenty-five participants also received certificates at the end of the session.

Day 2 of the EPM Workshop is currently underway and is focused on training future EPM instructors. There are 12 participants that are learning adult education principles, practicing teaching skills, and preparing to lead their own workshops.

About EPM:
EPM is a globally supported, low-cost training program that aims to:
✅ Improve knowledge of pain
✅ Teach healthcare workers to Recognize, Assess & Treat pain
✅ Address barriers in pain management
✅ Empower local trainers to deliver EPM workshops

Supported by the World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, International Association for the Study of Pain, and the Australian Society of Anaesthetists, EPM is making pain care more accessible worldwide.