CONSTANT BLACK OUT DAMAGES MILLION- KINA MEDICAL EQUIPMENT IN POM GEN
REPEATED power outages in the nation’s capital have caused serious damage to critical medical equipment at Port Moresby General Hospital, raising alarm over patient safety and hospital operations.
Hospital management says unstable power supply and frequent electricity fluctuations have damaged three out of four sterilisation machines used to disinfect surgical instruments and medical equipment.
The machines, valued at millions of kina, are essential for infection control and safe patient care.
According to PMGH Acting Facilities Manager Michael Aris, the hospital experienced up to ten power blackouts in a single day on Tuesday, January 13.
He said the ongoing disruptions have placed hospital operations under significant strain, leaving only one sterilisation machine operational to service the entire facility.
Mr Aris is calling on PNG Power to urgently assess and address the power fluctuations, warning that unreliable electricity supply compromises patient care and puts hospital services at risk.
Meanwhile, PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr Paki Molumi says the hospital can no longer rely solely on the national power grid and is now actively exploring solar energy as a sustainable alternative.
He says a reliable power source is critical to protecting essential medical equipment and ensuring uninterrupted healthcare services.
Despite the challenges, PMGH says it remains committed to delivering safe and quality healthcare to the people of Papua New Guinea, but stresses that urgent intervention and long-term energy solutions are needed to safeguard patients, staff, and essential medical services.
