– The National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) acknowledges the statement Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) issued today about the pressure on its Emergency Department. NCDPHA shares the concern for the patients and families who wait long hours for care, and recognises the dedication of the doctors, nurses and staff who continue to serve under very demanding conditions.
The congestion at PMGH is not the challenge of one institution. It reflects the rapid growth of Port Moresby and a health system across the city that has not expanded at the same pace. Most emergency presentations are less urgent cases that are best managed closer to where people live, and NCDPHA is responsible for building that capacity for the people of the National Capital District & Motu Koitabu Villages.
NCDPHA values its partnership with PMGH. Together we established the Six Mile Clinic Emergency Department, which has grown from a day clinic to a 24-hour service. Its rising patient numbers show both the need for district-level emergency care and the public’s willingness to use it when it is available.
To meet the needs of the city, NCDPHA’s priorities are:
- Moresby South: completion of construction of the Level 4 District Hospital as a matter of urgency.
- Moresby North East: progressing a Level 4 hospital, building on the Clinical Service Plan prepared for the planned Nine Mile District Hospital.
- Moresby North West: immediate upgrading of Gerehu Hospital to function effectively as a Level 4 facility with a fully operational emergency department.
- Primary health facilities: upgrading and expansion of the 12 Level 2 and Level 3 health facilities NCDPHA runs, all of which are more than 30 years old.
- Health workforce: creation of more funded positions and recruitment of health workers so that NCDPHA can meet the growing demand of the population it serves.
These priorities are interdependent. New and upgraded facilities need the health workers to staff them, and health workers need modern, well-equipped facilities to deliver safe and timely care.
NCDPHA will continue to work closely with PMGH, the National Government, the National Department of Health, National Capital District Commission, the District Development Authorities and our development partners to continue to support these investments. A well-resourced district health system will bring emergency and primary care closer to communities and allow PMGH to focus on its vital role as the nation’s principal referral hospital. Port Moresby’s health system works best when every level of care is strong. NCDPHA is committed to playing its full part in building that system, in partnership with PMGH and all stakeholders.
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