PMGH gets sterilisers, washers and dryers

National

By ZINA KOIM
JAPAN International Cooperation Agency (Jica) handed over three steam sterilisers, two commercial washers and two commercial dryers to Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) on Thursday.
PMGH chief executive officer Dr Paki Molumi said the hospital had issues with sterilisers over the years.
“Constant breakdowns with sterilisers had disrupted patient care,” Molumi said.
“With this contribution, I am sure we are going to alleviate those issues and provide the surgical care that our patients need.”
Molumi said Jica’s support would go towards improving infection control in the hospital.
“We have improved one in the microbiology department and the steriliser at the pathology will be used for infection control and two at CST for general sterilisation,” he said while thanking Jica for the equipment.
Jicas chief representative Masato Koinuma said the Japan project for improving basic medical equipment for infection at the health facility was agreed to between the Health Department and Jica in July 2021.
“Under this project, a total of 15 steam sterilisers, nine commercial washers and nine dryers were procured to target 13 health facilities around Papua New Guinea,” Koinuma said.
He said the provinces to benefit included West Sepik, Western, Gulf, Southern Highlands, Chimbu, Manu, Milne Bay, West New Britain, East New Britain, Madang, Bougainville and New Ireland.
“We hope that the target hospitals can use the equipment with care to help improve infection control measures in target hospitals for many years to come,” he said.
Health secretary Dr Osborne Liko said the total value of the donation was K6.31 million.
Liko acknowledged Jica and the people of Japan for the continuous support towards the country’s health sector.
He said many of the equipment and sterilisers were in dire need of replacing and/or maintenance so the support from Jica was timely.
“The donation is timely at the time many of our hospitals sterilisers and laundry equipment are in need of replacement,” Liko said.