POMGH staff respond

PLEASE allow me space to talk about the Port Moresby General Hospital after reading so many negative things about the national referral hospital.
The Medical School is attached to the hospital and many other training institutions use its facilities.
It receives referrals from all over PNG and sends its specialists to visit hospitals in the country.
POMGH is also the employer of a large number of public servants in just one institution.
For many years, it has provided primary health care as well as very complex clinical cases.
About 15% use of resources are unbudgeted for and used for injuries relating to unnecessary accidents and violence.
It has a very high lead time for drug stock (two weeks) which is the highest in PNG.
This means its stock has to be replenished almost every week to meet the demand.
This is truly a place of intense activity where team work is important.
It is also the only visible institution where the Government’s overall MTDG translates to measurable outcomes directly or indirectly.
Our administrative team is only part of the whole picture.
Many others, including those outside the POMGH such as DPM, Finance, IRC among others, contribute to the final outcome.
It is unfair to blame those working at the POMGH.
Admittedly, some decisions appear bad and that can only be sorted out through a process of consultation.
Recent reports by the Nursing Association are not an exaggeration.
The practice of medicine and nursing had changed dramatically in view of new diseases such as HIV/AIDS and worsening diseases such as TB.
It is imperative that international standards are applied to prevent work-related injuries and work-related sickness.
The mortuary section had been plagued with unclaimed bodies and needed the NCDC to help out its social obligations.
It is a sad development to chase patients away.
Private hospitals do not have the capacity to offer such comprehensive care.
They can provide primary health care but not comprehensive health care.
I have seen people going to private clinics and end up paying dearly for it.
The Government has to improve its services at the POMGH urgently.
The negative publicity of POMGH is not in the best interest of sick people and must stop.
Nurses and other interest groups with vested interest should seek dialogue with the management and NDOH to sort out problems.
Everyone who has anything to do with this hospital must work as a team to ensure smooth and efficient running of the POMGH.
All print media and TV are asked to exercise due care with social responsibility to build up your local hospital.

Dr George Gende
Senior Specialist Medical Officer (Surgeon)
POMGH

NB- Dr. Gende is a senior surgeon, who is well respected, hard working and does not play politics.