By DALCY LULUA
THE newly commissioned Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) at the Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH), funded by Kumul Petroleum Holdings (KPHL), is set to transform cardiac, neuro, and cancer-related medical interventions in Papua New Guinea.
The K5 million Cath Lab was officially opened yesterday by Prime Minister James Marape as part of a larger initiative to combat non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
PM Marape praised the initiative, stating that the new lab will not only preserve lives but also strengthen the nation’s economy.
“This investment in healthcare ensures our citizens can continue contributing to the nation’s growth. More lives will be saved, reducing the need for overseas treatment and positioning Papua New Guinea as a potential destination for medical tourism,” he said.
Since its initial opening in July 2021, POMGH’s Cath Lab has performed 1,327 procedures, with 70% of patients being male, according to the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Paki Molumi.
He noted that the new lab, now equipped with the latest Canon Cath Lab Machine, will enable the hospital to conduct more complex cardiac interventions, neuro-interventions, and cancer-related treatments.
Dr. Molumi also highlighted the economic benefits of the Cath Lab, revealing that 422 lives were saved through procedures conducted in the facility.
“These individuals are now able to contribute to the country’s economy,” he said.
He pointed out that a single Cath Lab procedure overseas costs a minimum of K100,000, excluding travel and accommodation expenses.
“If 1,327 patients had gone overseas for treatment, over K100 million in PNG Kina would have been spent. This shows that investing in healthcare significantly contributes to the growth of our economy,” Dr Molumi said.
Dr. Molumi also urged the public to take preventive measures for better health outcomes.
“Whiles we invest into new expensive technology to cure heart disease, we must not forget that prevention is the key to reduce heart disease. It is what we eat that needs to be control,” Dr Molumi said.
Dr. Molumi acknowledged KPHL for funding both the new Cath Lab and the refurbishment of its equipment.
KPHL Managing Director Wapu Sonk also highlighted the major milestones achieved in invasive medical programs from 2020 to 2024, crediting a tripartite agreement signed on August 19, 2020, between the National Department of Health, POMGH, and KPHL.
The agreement secured K10 million per year for five years to establish the National Heart Center at POMGH.
