PORT MORESBY General Hospital (PMGH) marked a historic moment on January 24, 2024, with the official inauguration of its state-of-the-art Kidney Dialysis Centre. This achievement stands as a testament to PMGH’s dedication to providing specialized healthcare services and
addressing the critical needs of the community.
The realization of the Kidney Dialysis Centre was made possible through the generous funding of K10 million by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA) in 2022—a testament to the government’s proactive approach to advancing healthcare infrastructure. Hon. Jelta Wong, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, lauded the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access, emphasizing the profound impact of the Kidney Dialysis Centre in extending life-saving treatment to Papua New Guineans. Minister Wong expressed, “This is about giving life to our very own people,” pledging continued support for the program’s sustainability and growth.
Hon. Dr. Lino Tom, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS, echoed Minister Wong’s sentiments,
emphasizing the fundamental importance of kidney care as a basic human necessity.
Dr. Tom commended the PMGH board and management for their tireless efforts in achieving this significant milestone and called for collective action to ensure the fulfillment of
the community’s basic healthcare needs.
Representing the hospital, POMGEN Board member, Mr. Paul Kiruwi, underscored the
collaborative nature of the initiative, highlighting the partnership between PMGH and
the PNG Kidney Foundation in delivering specialized kidney services to the population.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kiruwi revealed ambitious plans to establish an in-country kidney transplant program—a move that not only serves the citizens of Papua New Guinea but also positions the nation as a leader in medical tourism within the Pacific region.
As PMGH continues its mission to expand access to specialized healthcare services, the
dedication and diligence of the PMGH Board, chaired by Peter Graham, remain instrumental. With a steadfast commitment to meeting the government’s objective of providing comprehensive kidney care, PMGH’s Kidney Dialysis Centre stands poised to make a transformative impact on the health and well-being of Papua New Guineans.
The Kidney Dialysis Centre, equipped with a total of 12 dialysis machines—including two
recently installed units—conducted its inaugural dialysis treatment for a patient on Monday,
January 22. This milestone achievement represents a significant step forward in the
provision of life-saving kidney care services, marking the beginning of a new era of healthcare excellence for Papua New Guinea.
The recent inauguration of Port Moresby General Hospital’s (PMGH) Kidney Dialysis Centre
stands as a beacon of hope and progress. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment
to providing specialized kidney care services, the Centre represents a transformative
milestone in the nation’s healthcare journey. The establishment of the Kidney Dialysis Centre
not only addresses a critical healthcare need but also embodies the values of compassion,
innovation, and collaboration that are essential for building a healthier, more resilient society.
At the heart of PMGH’s Kidney Dialysis Centre lies a profound recognition of the urgent
need to address the growing burden of kidney disease in Papua New Guinea. With kidney
disease emerging as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the country, access to
life-saving dialysis treatment has become increasingly crucial for those affected by this debilitating condition. The establishment of the Centre, made possible through the generous funding of K10 million by the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), represents a significantinvestment in the health and well-being of Papua New Guineans.
Hon. Jelta Wong, Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, rightfully lauded the government’s proactive approach to advancing healthcare infrastructure, emphasizing the
profound impact of the Kidney Dialysis Centre in extending life-saving treatment to Papua
New Guineans. Indeed, the Centre’s inauguration marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s
healthcare landscape—a moment characterized by a renewed commitment to improving
healthcare access and quality for all citizens.
Equally commendable is the collaborative effort between PMGH and the PNG Kidney
Foundation in delivering specialized kidney care services to the population. Mr. Paul Kiruwi,
representing the hospital, highlighted the importance of this partnership in driving forward
the mission of the Kidney Dialysis Centre. By leveraging the expertise and resources of both institutions, PMGH has demonstrated its commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services that meet the diverse needs of the community.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kiruwi revealed ambitious plans to establish an in-country kidney
transplant program—a move that not only serves the citizens of Papua New Guinea but
also positions the nation as a leader in medical tourism within the Pacific region. This
forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery underscores PMGH’s commitment to
innovation and excellence, setting a new standard for healthcare provision in the region.
As PMGH continues its mission to expand access to specialized healthcare services, the
dedication and diligence of the PMGH Board, chaired by Peter Graham, remain instrumental. With a steadfast commitment to meeting the government’s objective of providing comprehensive kidney care, PMGH’s Kidney Dialysis Centre stands poised to make a transformative impact on the health and well-being of Papua New Guineans.
The inauguration of the Kidney Dialysis Centre represents more than just the opening of
a new facility—it symbolizes a profound commitment to the values of compassion, innovation, and collaboration that are essential for building a healthier, more resilient society. As we celebrate this milestone achievement, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to continue advancing healthcare access and quality for all Papua New Guineans. Together, we can build a future where no one is left behind in the journey toward better health and well-being.