NATIONAL Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Robin Oge has acknowledged public concerns over overcrowding in the labour ward at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), saying the shortage of maternity beds and birthing facilities across the National Capital District (NCD) is a long-standing challenge that authorities are actively working to address.
Dr Oge said many health facilities in NCD were built in the 1970s and 1980s and are struggling to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. In response, NCDPHA has adopted a short, medium and long-term strategy to improve maternity and primary health services.
As part of its immediate response, NCDPHA established maternity services at Metoreai Urban Clinic in 2025, making it the first public facility outside PMGH to provide birthing services. The clinic delivered more than 360 babies in 2025 and continues to expand its capacity.
The Six Mile Polyclinic has also been operating 24 hours a day since 2025, treating more than 110,000 patients last year, including around 20,000 after-hours cases that would otherwise have sought care at PMGH’s Emergency Department. A major rehabilitation and expansion of the facility is currently underway.
Dr Oge also welcomed the completion of a new birthing facility at Gereka Ulamagi Nazarene Clinic, which will be operated in partnership with NCDPHA to expand maternity services in the district.
Looking ahead, the new birthing suite and operating theatre at Gerehu Hospital are nearing completion, while the new Moresby South District Hospital is expected to provide additional maternity services, an operating theatre and expanded clinical care.
NCDPHA also received approval in 2025 to expand birthing services at several facilities, including Metoreai, Tokarara, Morata, Gerehu and Six Mile. However, funding constraints have delayed some infrastructure works, and discussions continue with partners to secure the necessary support.
The authority is also progressing construction of a 20-bed Tuberculosis ward at Six Mile Polyclinic, which will ease pressure on PMGH by transferring TB patients to a dedicated community-based facility.
Dr Oge said the most significant long-term project is the planned NCD Level 5 Provincial Specialist Hospital, which will provide specialist and tertiary care services and reduce the city’s heavy reliance on PMGH.
“No mother in Port Moresby should have to deliver her baby on the floor of a hospital ward,” Dr Oge said. “While progress may not be happening as quickly as we would like, important steps are being taken to expand maternity services and strengthen healthcare across the National Capital District.” He thanked the people of NCD for their patience and acknowledged the efforts of midwives, nurses, doctors and community health workers who continue to provide care under challenging conditions.