A TEAM will be finalized this week to carry out an independent investigation on the recent deaths of seven people including a child at Port Moresby General Hospital’s (PMGH) Operating Theater.
The Secretary for Health and HIV and AIDS Dr Osbourne Liko confirmed this to The PNG Bulletin.
“Yes, we will institute the investigation this week. The prerequisite documents of internal investigation from PMGH and results of analysis of the efficacy and pharmacopoeia of Propofol that was sent away to TGA in Australia must be known and available as evidence and will form part of the TORs (Terms of Reference) of the Independent investigation,” Dr Liko said.
The Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Jelta Wong has tasked the National Health Department to perform an independent investigation on the recent deaths at Port Moresby General Hospital.
Minister Wong made the announcement in a press statement on Thursday, September 2.
Last month on August 12, seven deaths including that of a young boy occurred at the Port Moresby General Hospital while undergoing operations at the PMGH Operating Theatre. The aggrieved family of the young boy expressed their concerns in the media suspecting negligence by the Operating team at PMGH.
This prompted Secretary of NDOF Dr Osborne Liko to issue a circular on the 17th of August alerting all CEO’s of Provincial Health Authorities Hospitals, public, private and Mission Hospitals, all Director Medical Services and Clinical Directors of Public and Private Hospitals; all OIC’s of Operating Theatre Managers, all Store Technical Advisors, Pharmacy Managers and OIC Pharmacists including hospital pharmacies, dispensaries , all pharmaceutical importers (wholesalers and distributers) and Manager Country Operations UNOPS and all other International Health Partners on the use of Propofol injection.
Dr Liko described all deaths as ‘serious and fatal’ in his circular No.50 of 2021.
Propofol is used to put patients to sleep during general anesthesia for surgery. It slows down the activity of the brain and nervous system as patients undergo operations.
Minister Wong also announced in a statement issued on Thursday said the investigation will review many aspects of the hospital including other similar deaths, clinical governance, and review of the pharmacopeia of Propofol.
“There have been numerous statements recently regarding the recent death at Port Moresby General Hospital. I have had a full brief from Secretary Liko and Dr Paki Molumi, the necessary processes have been formalised and are currently being undertaken to fully investigate the circumstances and cause of the recent deaths at the Port Moresby General Hospital. I would like to begin by clarifying the reason a death certificate has not been issued for the child.
“This is because the cause of death to date has not been established, and hence forms part of the coronial inquest. This is one of the key aspects of the inquest, and Coroner will authorise a post mortem prior to issuing a death certificate and warrant of burial.
“This coronial inquest has now begun, and the coroner will authorise the necessary post-mortem in the coming days. There was an unfortunate delay due to discussions with the family regarding the necessary process.
“These issues have now been resolved, and the inquest has begun. In conjunction with this inquest, I have sanctioned terms of reference and tasked the National Department of Health, to perform an independent investigation of the deaths and audit Port Moresby General Hospital.
“This investigation will review many aspects of the hospital including, other recent similar deaths, clinical governance, and review of the pharmacopeia of Propofol. Once the investigation has been completed, I will report on the outcomes of the investigation. It is critical that the investigation is not hampered by outside influence and allowed to run its course so we can ensure the impartiality and factual information is made known, so that an amicable solution can be reached between all parties.
“With that in mind, I would like to take this opportunity to request that politicians, including the Opposition Leader, Hon. Belden Namah refrain from further commenting on this tragic case at this time. The established process is underway to thoroughly examine the circumstances. However, it is not fair to the family that this young man’s death is politicised or put under further media scrutiny.
“It is a time for them to grieve whilst the hospital and the government investigate what has occurred to ensure it does not happen again. It is not acceptable that the family’s trauma is exacerbated and used for political point-scoring by the Opposition Leader.
Further, it is particularly unhelpful of the Leader of the Opposition to blame persons prior to this investigation being concluded. He is prejudging an investigation, and his comments may well undermine the investigation and prejudice any future legal proceedings that may need to be instigated following the investigation.
“I would like everyone to keep the family in their prayers,” Minister Wong said.