THE Rotary Club of Port Moresby has continued its commitment to improving emergency healthcare and community safety across Papua New Guinea with the donation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to Kwikila Interim Provincial Hospital.
The life-saving device was formally presented to the Medical Officer in Charge Dr Kaycii Amoko, who accepted the AED on behalf of the interim Provincial Hospital and the communities it serves throughout Central Province.
An AED, commonly known as a defibrillator, is designed to provide a potentially lifesaving shock to a person suffering sudden cardiac arrest. Immediate access to a defibrillator can significantly improve survival rates, making these devices a critical component of emergency healthcare.
Rotary Club of Port Moresby Director of Community Service, Adam Hughes, said the donation reflects Rotary’s commitment to supporting frontline healthcare services and ensuring communities have access to essential medical equipment.
“Rotary believes that where you live should not determine your chance of survival in a medical emergency. By providing this AED to the interim Provincial Hospital, we are helping equip healthcare workers with another critical tool that can save lives when every second counts.”
“Our Club has made a significant investment in expanding access to defibrillators across Papua New Guinea, and we are proud to partner with healthcare providers who work tirelessly to care for their communities.”
Dr Kaycii Amoko welcomed the donation and thanked Rotary for its ongoing support of healthcare initiatives.
“This AED will strengthen our emergency response capability and provide our clinical staff with an important resource when responding to patients experiencing cardiac emergencies. We are grateful to the Rotary Club of Port Moresby for recognising the needs of rural and provincial health services and for their continued commitment to improving health outcomes in our communities.”
The donation forms part of a wider Rotary Club of Port Moresby initiative that has seen AEDs installed at key public facilities, sporting venues, healthcare centres and community organisations throughout Papua New Guinea. To date, Rotary has funded 24 AEDs, helping establish one of the country’s largest community-access defibrillator networks.
AEDs have been donated to locations including Jacksons Domestic Airport, Lae Nadzab Airport, the Waigani Court Complex, RPNGC Headquarters, APEC Haus, the PNG Archery Association, Boroko Racquet Club, Boroko Amateur
Swimming Club, and a growing number of healthcare and community facilities across the country. Additional installations are planned at several strategic locations to further improve access to life-saving equipment where they are needed most.
The Club also acknowledged the support of National St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea, from whom the AEDs are purchased.
National St John Ambulance Commissioner and Chief Executive Kai Tane thanked the Rotary Club of Port Moresby for its ongoing commitment to strengthening emergency care across Papua New Guinea.
“Every minute without CPR and defibrillation significantly reduces a person’s chance of surviving sudden cardiac arrest. By investing in AEDs and placing them where they are needed most, Rotary is helping create safer communities and giving more Papua New Guineans a fighting chance when every second counts,” Commissioner Tane said.
“We are proud to partner with the Rotary Club of Port Moresby on this important initiative. Their continued investment in community-access defibrillators complements the work of National St John Ambulance and strengthens the chain of survival by ensuring life-saving equipment is available before our ambulance crews arrive.”
Rotary Club of Port Moresby President Alan Palmer said the initiative demonstrates Rotary’s commitment to delivering practical projects that have a direct and lasting impact on communities.
“Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. These AEDs represent a direct investment in saving lives and supporting the organisations and healthcare providers who serve our communities every day. We are proud to partner with organisations across Papua New Guinea to make emergency response equipment more accessible.”
The Rotary Club of Port Moresby remains committed to delivering impactful projects in health, education, disability support, youth development and community wellbeing throughout Papua New Guinea, working alongside government agencies, community organisations and corporate partners to create lasting positive change.