About 2,000 patients have received specialised healthcare services at Port Moresby Specialist Hospital since the Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) was opened in 2021, says Health Minister Elias Kapavore.
He said each of these patients had saved between K100,000 and K150,000 compared to what they would have spent if they had travelled overseas for specialist medical services.
In responding to a daily newspaper report this week, Mr Kapavore denied that PNG’s “health system is struggling with drug shortages, outdated equipment, and inconsistent care”.
“Since the opening of the Cath Lab in 2021, we have done 2000 cases. That is about 50-60 cases monthly,” Minister Kapavore said.
“To do a simple coronary angiogram and for one stent in Singapore or Australia, it will cost up to K100, 000 – K150, 000. But here at PMGH, it is less than K10,000. Complex cases will cost K200, 000 to K300,000.
“Such reports in the Post-Courier front page, with headline “MPs Fail Duty”, did not reflect the effort the Marape-Rosso Government has made with the support of our development partners in recent years.”
He added that while public scrutiny of the health system is understandable, it is important that the discussion is balanced and accurately reflects both the significant capabilities that now exist within Papua New Guinea and the ongoing reforms are underway to further strengthen specialist care.
“It is also important to note that decisions by individual citizens, including political leaders, to seek medical care overseas are ultimately personal choices, often influenced by private means, timing, or personal preference, rather than a definitive measure of the capability of the national health system.
“Over the past decade – and particularly in recent years – Papua New Guinea has made substantial progress in expanding access to specialist and tertiary health services. “These achievements represent a marked shift from historical reliance on overseas referrals,” Mr Kapavore said.