K12 MILLION BOOST FOR NCD MATERNITY SERVICES TO EASE PMGH OVERCROWDING

CAPTION: Health Minister Elias Kapavore

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

THE Government has allocated around K12 million kina to expand and improve maternity and delivery services in the National Capital District as part of efforts to ease overcrowding at Port Moresby General Hospital.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore told Parliament that the funding was approved through National Executive Council decision based on expert recommendations will be directed towards upgrading delivery facilities in urban clinics like Six Mile, Gerehu and Morata.

He said the expansion of services at lower-level health facilities is aimed to reduce the pressure on PMGH, which currently handles about 17,000 births annually.

Minister said improving access to local maternity services will allow mothers with normal deliveries to be managed closer to their communities, while PMGH focuses on specialist and emergency cases.