BY GLADYS KILA
THE Operation Open Heart Foundation Inc. has thanked Air Niugini for their support in flying the foundation’s team of doctors to Manus Province to conduct heart screenings for children.
The ticket sponsorship for the children’s heart screening began last year, with the foundation’s team traveling to 10 out of the 13 selected provinces under this sponsorship. The support continues this year, starting with Manus Province.
Senior Pediatrician Dr. Diana Olita’a, who led the team to Manus, described the screening process as a good start for the foundation.
“We began our screening process this year in Manus Province. There were 30 patients booked for us to screen, but only 15 were able to attend.
“Out of the 15 screened, 2 have been selected for surgery, one for open heart and one for closed heart surgery,” Dr. Olita’a said.
She explained that the other 15 patients could not make it due to bad weather and poor road conditions, as many of them live inland.
The screening was carried out using an echo machine sponsored by Bank South Pacific.
Dr. Olita’a described this machine as a vital piece of equipment.
“This helps us diagnose children with heart conditions. Without this machine, we cannot carry out heart screenings,” said Dr Olita’a.
Air Niugini has been a supporter of this initiative for over a decade, according to Air Niugini CEO Gary Seddon.
He stated that this initiative gives them the opportunity to see the work that Operation Open Heart Foundation Inc. does.
“This initiative demonstrates the foundation’s commitment to giving children a second chance to live” Seddon added.
He expressed pride in supporting this initiative, noting that many children have been saved and will continue to be saved through this program.
Director of Corporate Affairs at Operation Open Heart Foundation, Jane Huka, mentioned that the program began in 2024, with a total of 729 patients screened, out of which only 33 were selected for open heart surgery and 25 for closed heart surgery.
“Of the 25, 9 have already come to POMGEN and received surgery, and the remaining 16 who have been waiting for funding support to fly down will now be given the opportunity by Air Niugini to undergo surgery in Port Moresby.”