PMGH has only one X-ray machine

 THE Port Moresby General Hospital has only one  X-ray machine functioning, an employee at the radiography section said.

The employee, who asked not to be identified for fear of victimisation, said the machine was the only one serving the country’s biggest referral hospital.

“We, on average daily, receive about 200 to 300 patients not only from NCD but the whole of Central province,” he said.

“One can imagine the strain we face each day. We have two machines but the other one has problems and takes a lot of time to get it working. 

“This year, the Government pledged to buy the section new  machines. We are still waiting.”

The employee said staff were often scolded and sworn at by waiting patients.

Acting hospital chief executive Dr David Mokela said a new machine was on its way.

“Of the two existing machines, the old one has been taken out. The Health Department has already purchased a new one as a replacement.,’ he said.

“We are replacing the machines one by one. The Health Department has funds allocated to purchase them over time.”