Successful brain surgery indicates need for facility upgrade: Kapavore

By SAWATO HAHAMBU
MINISTER for Health and HIV/AIDS Elias Kapavore says a brain tumour removal at the Port Moresby General Hospital has indicated the need for better public health system, facilities and trained staff.
He said the successful surgery was done after a recently-launched neurosurgery microscope at the hospital and that showed the pathway for better health system in the country.
“I commend the effort by the PMGH board led by the acting chair Cathy Johnston and the recently-appointed CEO (chief executive officer) Dr (Paki) Molume,” he said.
“Their foresight and proactive approach to upgrade specialist services at PMGH saw positive results from the operation.
“There is now an important need to improve our operating theatre to cater for neurosurgery capabilities, for cardiac capabilities, endoscopic procedures and others.”
Kapavore said he would support the Government’s health plan to upgrade the current operating rooms to world standards.
PMGH’s four operating theatres were built in the 1960s and could not meet current surgical demands.
Kapavore said the brain tumour surgery of a 22-year-old male marked an important history that PMGH and the Government could use as a stepping stone.