By Patricia Keamo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Port Moresby General Hospital has opened the country’s first new Catheterization Laboratory today. The initiative to set up the Catheterization lab came about following the increase in life style diseases that contribute to death.
This is the first Cath-lab established in a public hospital and will enable patients to undergo surgery in the country at a lesser cost than in private hospitals or overseas.
Statistics from the Port Moresby General hospital have shown that for a three year period from 1995 to 1998, twenty cases of myocardial disease or heart attack were diagnosed, and since 2015, the number of cases has significantly increased. These staggering statistics were highlighted by Port Moresby General’s Chief Internal Medicine and Pioneer Cardiologist, Professor Sir Isi Kevau.
Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore, emphasised on the need for improved health care in the country.
“By 2020, all Papua New Guineans should have access to modern health care.”
Acting CEO of the hospital, Dr Paki Molumi, called on the Government and various partners for their continued support in keeping the facility running but said the challenge is placed on the hospital to maintain and sustain the laboratory.
The Catheterization lab is now accessible to the public on the second floor of Port Moresby General Hospital.
