Abal: Sir Michael in good condition

PRIME Minister Sir Michael Somare, who has undergone two operations, is well and recovering gradually, acting Prime Minister Sam Abal said yesterday.
Abal said that Sir Michael went to Singapore and had undergone a successful valve replacement surgery on Holy Thursday.
He said the operation was a success but the Grand Chief developed complications in the post-operative period and underwent another corrective surgery.
He said Sir Michael’s recovery would take longer than anticipated.
Abal said the country’s senior cardiologist and dean of the University of PNG medical school Prof Isi Kevau, who has been managing Sir Michael’s valve conditions for many years, was satisfied with the progress of the prime minister’s recovery so far.
He said that Keavu told him that the medical team in Singapore was providing intensive medical and nursing care and “good progress is being made”.
Abal did not say when Sir Michael would return to the country but it was unlikely to be soon.
Sir Michael was suspended for two weeks by the leadership tribunal last month after being found guilty of not declaration returns to the Ombudsman Commission.
During his suspension, Sir Michael took leave to address a heart condition.