Port Moresby General Hospital

15/04/2026

15/04/2026

PMGH Partners with Visiting Specialist to Improve Women’s Pelvic Health

Port Moresby General Hospital’s (PMGH) Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department has partnered with visiting specialist Professor Sir Ajay Rane from James Cook University in Townsville, Australia, to deliver specialized pelvic reconstructive surgeries this week.

Professor Rane has been visiting PMGH since 2012, playing a pivotal role in performing complex procedures and mentoring local doctors to enhance the quality of women’s healthcare in Papua New Guinea.

“I’ve been coming here since 2012 and have built a very strong relationship with Professor Glen Mola, who is an inspiration to women’s health globally. His dedication to the women of Papua New Guinea inspires me to return several times each year. These visits allow us to exchange ideas, strengthen skills in pelvic reconstructive surgery, and, most importantly, maintain a collaborative partnership,” Professor Rane said.

PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. P**i Molumi expressed gratitude for Professor Rane’s continued commitment to supporting the hospital.

“We are thankful for Professor Rane’s unwavering support in performing complex surgeries, saving lives, and training our young doctors to improve women’s health outcomes across the country,” Dr Molumi said.

Dr. Molumi also highlighted future development plans for the hospital:

“As part of the PMGH Master Plan redevelopment, there are plans to construct a new Women and Children’s Hospital. This area represents one of the largest healthcare service demands in Port Moresby,” he added.

Photo Caption:
Professor Sir Ajay Rane, Professor Glen Mola, and PMGH Obstetrics and Gynaecology doctors working in partnership to improve women’s health in Papua New Guinea. Photo courtesy of PMGH Media.

14/04/2026

International ENT Team Boosts Cancer Surgery Capacity in PNG

Papua New Guinea’s health sector has received a significant boost with the arrival of an international team of specialist surgeons and nurses delivering advanced cancer care and training in Port Moresby this week.

The volunteer team, led by experienced ENT specialist Professor Christopher Perry, arrived on April 12 under the theme “Advancing and Enhancing Oncologic Ear-Nose-Throat-Head & Neck Surgery in Papua New Guinea.”

The visiting group includes surgeons Professor Roger Grigg, Dr. Campbell Schmidt, and Dr. Robert Calvisi, along with two specialist nurses from Queensland Health, all volunteering their time and covering their own costs to support local healthcare development.

In a major milestone for the country, the team, working alongside local doctors, successfully carried out a complex oral cancer surgery at Port Moresby General Hospital.

The procedure involved tumour removal, neck dissection, and advanced microvascular reconstruction using tissue from the patient’s thigh and leg, an operation described by local specialists as a first of its kind in decades.

Local surgeons Dr. Dean Wahembari and Dr. Bradley Bibilo, along with ENT registrar Dr. Sifa Teumohenga, assisted and scrubbed in during the procedure, gaining valuable hands-on experience in highly specialised surgical techniques.

The week-long program also includes patient screening, ward rounds, and intensive training sessions for local surgeons and postgraduate trainees through the University of Papua New Guinea School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

A key highlight has been hands-on simulation training in microvascular surgery an advanced reconstructive technique that has rarely been taught practically in Papua New Guinea.

Specialist nurses are also contributing to capacity building, with scheduled presentations aimed at strengthening skills among theatre and general nursing staff.

Chief ENT Surgeon Dr. James Naipao said the initiative comes at a critical time as cases of head and neck cancers continue to rise across the country.

He said exposure to modern surgical techniques is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for overseas referrals.

“Visitors like this bring a wealth of experience and allow our surgeons to gain hands-on exposure to procedures that are often only read about in textbooks,” Dr. Naipao said.

The team is expected to conclude its visit on Friday, with health authorities hopeful that such collaborations will continue to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s capacity to manage complex cancer cases locally and build a sustainable specialist workforce for the future.

14/04/2026

A team of volunteer doctors from Australia arrived in the country this week to help advance oncologic and Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT), Head and Neck surgery.

Starting Monday, simulation lectures on microvascular anastomosis surgery, along with hands-on training, were delivered to local surgeons.

Chief ENT Surgeon at Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr. James Naipao, said the hands-on participation by postgraduate training registrars marks significant progress, noting that such training has not been conducted since independence.

Read more: https://emtv.com.pg/milestone-surgeries-conducted-by-visiting-doctors-in-pmgh/

14/04/2026

Rise in Mouth, Head, and Neck Cancers Among Young People

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has reported a concerning increase in cancers affecting the mouth, head, and neck among young people.

ENT Clinical Coordinator Dr. Osiat Baining highlighted a current case involving a 25-year-old male patient undergoing a complex procedure led by PMGH’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) – Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery unit, in collaboration with visiting Australian specialists in head and neck reconstructive surgery.

Traditionally, these cancers were more common among older individuals. Alarmingly, doctors are now diagnosing patients as young as 18 and 19 with similar conditions.

Health experts believe the rise may be linked to lifestyle habits such as betel nut chewing with lime and mustard, smoking, and alcohol use. Other contributing factors include poor oral hygiene, dietary changes, ill-fitting dentures, and certain viral infections.

> “The current patient’s condition is serious. The tumour has affected not only the cheek but also the jawbone,” said Dr. Baining. “Treatment will involve removal of the tumour, part of the jawbone, and affected lymph nodes in the neck.”

Reconstruction will require advanced surgical techniques. Bone from the lower leg will be used to rebuild the jaw, while tissue from the thigh will repair the inside of the mouth. A temporary breathing tube will also be inserted to assist with recovery.

The operation is expected to take six to ten hours, followed by intensive monitoring in the ICU and further treatment, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Doctors are urging the public to remain vigilant and seek early medical attention for any unusual changes in the mouth. Maintaining good oral hygiene and reducing harmful habits can significantly lower the risk of developing these cancers.

Photo Caption:
The Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) – Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery team at Port Moresby General Hospital, with visiting Australian specialists, performing surgery on a 25-year-old male patient. Photo courtesy of PMGH Media.

13/04/2026

PMGH and Australian Specialists Partner on Complex ENT Surgeries

Port Moresby General Hospital’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department is collaborating with a visiting Australian Head and Neck Surgery team to perform complex procedures and deliver advanced training this week.

Chief ENT Surgeon Dr. James Naipao said the partnership is vital for strengthening local expertise:
“This collaboration supports the training of our doctors and nurses, enhances patient care, and builds lasting healthcare partnerships.”

Selected patients are undergoing joint reviews, with surgeries scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, junior doctors will receive hands-on training in surgical techniques, while nurses will participate in specialized workshops to improve patient care.

The visiting team, led by Professors Christopher Perry and Roger Grigg, includes surgeons Dr. Campell Schmidt and Dr. Robert Calvisi, and theatre nurses Kristen Ballin and Jess Urguhart. They are introducing advanced approaches to managing cancers and traumatic injuries.

PMGH CEO Dr. P**i Molumi expressed gratitude:

“We are deeply grateful to the visiting team. Their contribution in performing complex surgeries and delivering training will have a lasting impact on our healthcare services.”

The team departs Friday after a week of collaborative clinical work and training, reinforcing the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia in advancing healthcare services.

Photo Captions
1. Arrival of the visiting Australian Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Reconstructive Team at Jacksons International Airport, received by the PMGH ENT team.
2. ENT teams conducting patient screening and reviews at the PMGH ENT Clinic.
3. ENT team meeting with PMGH CEO, Dr. P**i Molumi. (Photo courtesy of PMGH Media)

11/04/2026

Judith Lapila Pauls, a lawyer with over 20 years of experience in public service, has shared her powerful journey through chronic kidney illness and recovery, highlighting the importance of local medical services, family support, and personal resilience. Judith spoke candidly about her diagnosis with chronic kidney failure at the height of her career. At the time, she was the only female leader in her office, navigating both professional responsibilities and a life-threatening health condition.

Read More:https://tvwan.com.pg/news/9078



Photo courtesy of PMGH Media.

09/04/2026

Senior Public Servant Shares Inspiring Kidney Transplant Journey successfully conducted at the Port Moresby General Hospital

A senior public servant has shared her powerful journey through chronic kidney illness and recovery, highlighting the importance of local medical services, family support, and personal resilience.

Judith Lapila Pauls, a lawyer with over 20 years of experience in public service, spoke candidly about her diagnosis with chronic kidney failure at the height of her career. At the time, she was the only female leader in her office, navigating both professional responsibilities and a life-threatening health condition.

“I was told I would need hemodialysis, and it was overwhelming,” she said. “But when the option of a kidney transplant came up, I chose to go forward with hope and faith.”

Her journey to transplantation was long and challenging, spanning nearly two years of medical tests and donor matching. Out of four potential donors, only oneher youngest sister proved to be a successful match.

“That gave me confidence,” Pauls said. “Through faith and determination, I believed I would make it.”

Judith successfully underwent kidney transplant surgery on 15th May 2025 at the Port Moresby General Hospital

Throughout the process, she credited her medical team for their constant support, as well as her family, for standing by her side. She also faced additional health complications, including vision loss caused by diabetes and high blood pressure. After undergoing eye surgery, her sight was restored.

“I’m thankful to the doctors who cared for me. Their dedication made all the difference,” she said.

Pauls emphasized the significance of accessible healthcare services within the country, noting that many patients still travel overseas for treatment at great expense. She urged citizens to trust and utilize local medical facilities and professionals.

“We have qualified doctors and improving hospital facilities here. We should have confidence in our own healthcare system,” she said.

Reflecting on her time undergoing diagnoses, Pauls recalled witnessing other patients struggle, with some unable to survive due to lack of resources. These experiences strengthened her resolve to pursue a transplant and advocate for better healthcare access.

Now recovered and returning to work, she says she is focused on maintaining her health and encouraging others to seek medical care early.

“I am healthy, active, and living my life again,” she said. “I encourage everyone to get checked and take care of their health.”

Her story stands as a testament to perseverance, the value of family support, and the growing capabilities of the nation’s healthcare system.

CEO of PMGH, Dr. P**i Molumi, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating:
"To see someone move from a non-economical life stuck to a dialysis machine undergoing three dialysis sessions a week, to a free and productive life, is a significant achievement. It not only transforms the individual’s wellbeing but also contributes positively to the economy of the country."

The National Fisheries Authority (NFA), sponsor of the kidney transplant project, was also acknowledged for its vital support. Dr. Molumi noted:
"Without the backing of NFA, this life-saving initiative would not have been possible. Their commitment to public health demonstrates how partnerships between institutions can directly improve lives."

This achievement is also one of the key outcomes of the Marape-Rosso Government’s investment in providing tertiary healthcare at home, ensuring that citizens who cannot afford overseas treatment can still access advanced medical services locally.

Photo Caption: Judith is now back at work and continues to contribute to legal service, serving her beloved country. Photo courtesy of PMGH Media.

09/04/2026

Port Moresby General Hospital Partners with Mama Bank to Support Staff Financial Wellbeing

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) and Mama Bank today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on improving financial services and support for hospital staff.

This partnership is designed to make banking more accessible particularly for women and families by integrating financial support within the healthcare environment. Mama Bank will provide simple financial products, including savings accounts and small loans, to help staff and patients manage medical expenses more effectively.

Hospital leadership has raised concerns that many employees are burdened by debt beyond their repayment capacity, putting their long-term financial security at risk.

PMGH CEO, Dr. P**i Molumi, welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of financial literacy. Through Mama Bank’s services, staff will receive training to help them live within their means and make informed borrowing decisions.

Mama Bank CEO, Mr. Gunanidhi Das, emphasized that the bank’s mission goes beyond providing credit. He noted that the partnership aims to offer a lifeline and a clear pathway to financial stability for individuals struggling with debt.

In addition to financial education, PMGH management is committed to fostering a workplace culture that encourages alternative income streams. The hospital recognizes that many staff members have untapped talents that could be developed into small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By supporting these entrepreneurial activities, PMGH hopes employees can meet essential expenses such as school fees and travel—without relying heavily on loans.

While preliminary training sessions have already been conducted, this formal agreement solidifies the partnership. Both organizations are now prepared to fully implement the program and guide PMGH employees toward long-term financial wellbeing.

Photo Caption:
From left: PMGH Legal Counsel Ms. Lillian Kauba, PMGH CEO Dr. P**i Molumi, Mama Bank CEO Mr. Gunanidhi Das, and Mama Bank Operations Manager Ms. Emmah Ulaban. Photo courtesy of PMGH Media.

08/04/2026

Southern Highlands Medical Students conducts clean-up activity at Port Moresby General Hospital

In a strong demonstration of community engagement and commitment to public health, the Southern Highlands Medical Student Association (SHMSA) recently conducted a clean-up activity at the entrance of Port Moresby General Hospital. The initiative took place Monday 6th April 2026 from 8:00 am to 11:30 am.

Over the course of two and a half hours, participating students worked diligently to enhance the cleanliness of the hospital surroundings, contributing to a safer and more welcoming environment for patients, visitors, and healthcare workers alike. Their efforts highlighted the critical role that a clean environment plays in promoting overall health and wellbeing.

A representative from SHMSA emphasized that maintaining a hygienic environment is a shared responsibility for all who access the hospital. The group’s objective, they noted, was not only to support the upkeep of the facility but also to inspire fellow students and the broader community to take pride in and care for their local health institutions.

In addition to improving the hospital’s appearance, the activity fostered teamwork and strengthened unity among the students. Many participants expressed a sense of fulfillment, noting that such initiatives enrich their medical training and reinforce their commitment to serving communities.

This initiative reflects SHMSA’s broader vision of integrating medical education with community service, helping to shape future healthcare professionals who value both clinical excellence and the importance of a clean, healthy environment.

Patron of the Southern Highlands Medical Student Association and CEO of PMGH, Dr. P**i Molumi, commended the students for the initiative, stating:
"The students have shown that leadership in health care extends beyond the wards and clinics. Their actions remind us that small efforts can make a big difference in patient care and community wellbeing."

08/04/2026

Port Moresby General Hospital Welcomes 176 Babies Over Easter Weekend

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) was filled with joy and celebration this Easter as a remarkable 176 babies were delivered between Good Friday, 3 April, and Easter Monday, 6 April 2026. This milestone brought happiness to families across the city and highlighted the dedication of medical staff during the busy holiday period.

Of the total births, 114 were boys and 62 were girls, marking a notably higher number of baby boys welcomed into the world. Among the newborns, one baby boy and one baby girl stood out for their healthy birth weights, each weighing 4.5 kilograms.

PMGH Chief Executive Officer, Dr. P**i Molumi, commended the staff of the maternity, post-natal, and special care nursery wards for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of both mothers and babies.

“Managing such a high number of deliveries over the Easter period was both challenging and rewarding. I am proud of the teamwork and dedication displayed by our maternity ward staff,” Dr. Molumi said.

Families across Port Moresby are now celebrating not only Easter but also the arrival of new life, making this holiday season especially memorable.

Photo Caption: Mother Nogi Kaybo with her Easter baby, born on her husband’s birthday (6 April) and named Junior Kaybo. Photo courtesy of PMGH Media.

19/03/2026