Prime Minister James Marape has welcomed the successful delivery of twin babies through the first emergency obstetric surgery performed at Pomio District Hospital in East New Britain Province, describing the achievement as evidence that investment in rural healthcare is delivering life-saving services closer to communities.
The emergency caesarean section safely delivered a baby girl and boy and saved the life of their mother, who developed complications during pregnancy that required urgent surgical intervention.
The operation marked a major milestone for Pomio and surrounding remote communities, where patients have historically travelled long distances to access specialist medical care.
Prime Minister Marape in a statement yesterday said the successful procedure demonstrates the importance of continued investment in health infrastructure, medical equipment, workforce training and stronger district-level health services across Papua New Guinea.
“For far too long, our rural people have suffered because essential health services were too far away,” Mr. Marape said.
“In places such as Pomio, a medical emergency could previously mean a long and dangerous journey by sea or road before a mother, child or critically ill patient could reach specialist care.
“The safe delivery of these twins at Pomio District Hospital is more than a medical success story. It is a story of hope, of skilled Papua New Guinean health workers, and of what can happen when Government investment reaches the people at district level.”
Under previous circumstances, the mother would have faced a journey of up to 20 hours by sea to Kokopo before further travel to reach specialist services at Nonga Provincial Hospital.
Instead, medical staff at Pomio District Hospital responded immediately and carried out the emergency operation locally.
The surgery was led by Dr Patrick Ofokonare and supported by Dr Janet Pika and Dr Ignatius Bolkon, alongside anesthetic scientific officers Mr. Matil Morea and Mr. Michael Morea, operating theatre nurses, laboratory staff and additional medical personnel.
Prime Minister Marape commended the medical team for their professionalism and commitment.
“I want to acknowledge every doctor, nurse, anesthetic officer, laboratory worker and support staff member involved in this operation,” he said.
“You have demonstrated the true purpose of public service. You acted decisively in a critical moment, and because of your skill and teamwork, a mother and her twin children have been given a new future.”
Mr. Marape said health sector reforms over the past seven years have focused on expanding the reach and quality of healthcare services, particularly in rural and hard-to-reach communities affected by poor transport links and limited facilities.
He said the Government has prioritized investment in district hospitals, rural health centers, medical equipment, workforce development, medicine supply systems, maternal and child healthcare and specialist services through partnerships with provinces, churches, development partners and local communities.
“Our Health Agenda is not only about buildings. It is about ensuring that our people have access to doctors, nurses, medicines, equipment, ambulances, laboratories, operating theatres and referral systems that work when they are needed most,” Mr. Marape said.
The Prime Minister said the case also highlights the importance of broader infrastructure development under the Connect PNG Program to improve access between communities and essential services.
“When we build roads, bridges, wharves, airstrips, communications networks and health facilities, we are not simply constructing infrastructure,” he said.
“We are connecting people to opportunity, education, markets and, most importantly, life-saving healthcare.”
The procedure has been described as the first emergency obstetric operation of its kind undertaken in Pomio District since Papua New Guinea gained Independence.
Health Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore said the successful surgery represented a milestone for both Pomio and rural healthcare across the country.
Prime Minister Marape congratulated Mr. Kapavore for his leadership in the health sector and his efforts to improve services in remote communities.
He also acknowledged support provided through partnerships involving the Government of Papua New Guinea, the Australian Government through DFAT and the Asian Development Bank.
Mr. Marape said the Government remains committed to ensuring quality healthcare becomes increasingly accessible closer to where people live.
“Our long-term goal is clear: no Papua New Guinean should lose their life simply because they live in a remote area,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the safe birth of the twins demonstrates how sustained investment in healthcare, infrastructure and trained personnel can deliver immediate and meaningful outcomes for communities across the country.
“A healthy mother, two healthy babies, a capable medical team and a district hospital that is now saving lives-this is development with meaning,” he said.