Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) proudly announces the successful recovery of Papua New Guinea’s first kidney transplant recipients, three months after undergoing life-saving surgeries that marked a historic milestone for the nation and the Pacific region.
On 14 and 15 May 2025, two living donor kidney transplants were performed at PMGH in partnership with UK-based charity Transplant Links Community (TLC). These pioneering procedures represent a turning point in specialist healthcare delivery in PNG and coincide with the country’s 50th Independence Anniversary.
The surgeries were led by PNG’s own urologists and trained transplant surgeons— Dr Damien Hasola, Dr Sidney James and Dr. Chris Munguas — alongside transplant specialists from TLC, Dr. Benjamin Lindsey and Dr. Jonathan Ellis.
The success was made possible through the unified efforts of PMGH’s multidisciplinary team, including anesthesiologists, nurses, doctors, pathologists, radiologists, and support staff.
The first transplant involved a 58-year-old woman from Enga Province, who had been on dialysis since her diagnosis in 2022. Her 24-year-old niece selflessly volunteered as a living donor. The second recipient, a 56-year-old woman from Central Province, received a kidney from her 40-year-old younger sister after being diagnosed in 2023.
Both patients began passing urine within 24 hours post-surgery — a promising sign of transplant success. They and their donors remain under close observation by PMGH’s dedicated transplant team.
“We are pleased to report that both transplant recipients and their donors are doing well,” said Dr. Paki Molumi, CEO of PMGH. “Their recovery has been steady, and this achievement marks a national breakthrough in medical care.”
The significance of this milestone was underscored by Prime Minister James Marape, who visited the operating theatre during the second surgery and met with the first donor and recipient. He commended their courage and the role they played in making medical history for PNG.
The kidney transplants align with the Prime Minister’s national vision to reduce reliance on overseas treatment by building domestic capacity for complex procedures, including dialysis and organ transplantation.
Dr Hoxson Okti Poki, Chairman of the Kidney Transplant Program Steering Committee (KTPSC), stated: “This groundbreaking procedure positions Papua New Guinea as the first Pacific Island nation to successfully undertake an organ transplant. It reaffirms the
Marape Government’s commitment to delivering world-class specialist health services domestically.”
He emphasised that the success reflects years of dedication and collaboration, acknowledging TLC as a key international partner and the National Fisheries Authority for its financial support.
“We have come this far, it has never been easy, we have never done this, none of us is an expert but we have done it with God’s leading,” he said.
Lead transplant surgeon Dr Damien Hasola reflected: “As much as it was a successful groundbreaking operation, it is also a gesture of hope for our PNG patients who go abroad for this service. It is quite expensive to access this abroad and being brought to our shores, it indeed gives hope to our patients. All the while, it is an achievement that is worth celebrating in PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary. This is the dream that our early leaders envisioned as
they navigated our pathway to independence. For this to happen is a dream come true for them and for us.”
Dr Hasola, along with Transplant Anesthetist Dr Hilbert Tovirika, Kidney Transplant Coordinator Sr Saeve Maia Teke and Operating Theatre Manager Sr. Barbara Sobi, underwent specialised training in the UK to prepare for the procedures. Their leadership was instrumental, and further training is planned as the program expands.
Chief Nephrologist Dr Steven Bogosia noted: “With the increasing number of deaths recently from lifestyle diseases, the arrival of kidney transplant now offers option for End Stage Kidney Disease patient who are now surviving on hemodialysis. These is to improved patient life quality and family unity.”
PMGH and the National Department of Health are committed to strengthening PNG’s capacity for routine kidney transplants and
comprehensive renal care. A second phase of training and transplantation is planned in the coming months, continuing the partnership with TLC and local clinical teams.
On behalf of the Board and Management of PMGH, Dr Molumi, extend their sincere gratitude to the National Fisheries Authority for its generous funding support of K10 million towards building PMGH’s capacity to deliver kidney transplant services.
He said that this landmark contribution has played a pivotal role in enabling Papua New Guinea’s first successful kidney transplants and reflects the transformative power of strategic partnerships in advancing specialist healthcare.
“Together, we are demonstrating what can be achieved when national institutions collaborate to improve the lives of our people, ” he stated.
PMGH continues to work closely with local and international partners to build a sustainable transplant program, improve access to renal care, and ultimately save more lives.