BY ESWIN PLESIO
THE Sir Theo Foundation has committed about K2 million to fully refurbish the Children’s Emergency Department (CED) at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH).
The Chairman of the Sir Theo Foundation, George Constantinou announced the commitment during a press event in Port Moresby, saying the investment would improve the environment for children, their families and healthcare workers.
“The Sir Theo Foundation has committed to approximately 2 million kina to fully refurbish the Children’s Emergency Department,” Constantinou said.
The refurbishment will be carried out by La Mana Developments at cost and will be completed in four stages to allow the department to remain operational during construction.
The first phase will focus on the refurbishment of the ablution blocks, followed by upgrades to the front areas of the main CED building. The first three stages are expected to be completed progressively within the next 12 months, subject to hospital management approvals.
The works will include upgrades to sanitary facilities, flooring, ceilings, walls, roofing, plumbing, electrical services and internal and external finishes.
Constantinou said the project was part of the Foundation’s long-standing partnership with the hospital.
“Our goal is simple-to provide a safer, more functional and comfortable environment for children requiring emergency care and their families and the dedicated healthcare professionals who care for them every day,” he said.
The Foundation will also fund the replacement of the hospital’s main domestic water pump and installation of remote monitoring systems for the hospital’s water reserves at a cost of about K84,000.
Speaking on behalf of the hospital’s management, Director of Medical Services, PMGH, Dr. Kone Sobi welcomed the investment, describing the refurbishment as timely.
He said the CED now records up to 20,000 visits by children each year, with about 30 per cent of patients admitted for further treatment.
“The need is great, and with the increasing population in the city, that is undeniable,” Dr Sobi said.
He said the refurbishment would improve staff morale and strengthen community confidence in the hospital.
“We are not just renovating walls and doors. We are creating a space where healing can happen faster,” he said.