Dr. Kone Sobi, the Director of Medical Services at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), has highlighted the urgent need for modernizing the Children’s Emergency Department (CED), pointing out that the current building has served the community for decades without any major structural upgrades.
Speaking on behalf of PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi during a press event marking the Sir Theo Foundation’s funding support earlier this week of K2,076,982.75 in new infrastructure commitments towards the department.
Dr. Sobi noted that the initiative represents a major milestone in improving healthcare services for pediatric patients across the National Capital District, Central Province, Gulf Province, and the nation as a whole.
“This is a significant moment for us, not just because we are breaking ground on a building project, but because we are investing in the health, safety, and future of our children,” Dr. Sobi said.
“The Children’s Emergency Department facility where we currently stand is well over 30 years, approximately 40 years old.”
“For many years, we just served our children with limited resources and without major activity.”
Prior to late 2019, the facility operated as the Children’s Outpatient Department (COPD) with restricted operating hours from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, attending only to minor illnesses and injuries before directing after-hours cases to the main adult emergency department.
However, since transitioning to a full 24-hour Children’s Emergency Department in late 2019 and early 2020, patient volume has surged significantly.
“Since moving to a 24-hour service, CED has seen up to 20, 000 visits by children every year.”
“And 30 percent, or three out of ten children who attend the Children's Emergency Department, are admitted to infection wards, surgery, the children's ward, and other facilities like newborn care.”
He noted that these figures demonstrate both the growing demand driven by an expanding urban population and the high level of trust in the public places in the hospital’s dedicated medical team.
Doctors and nurses work around the clock in shifts to treat a wide range of conditions, spanning from fevers and infections to acute trauma and life-threatening emergencies.
Acknowledging the resilience of healthcare staff who have operated under challenging conditions, Dr. Sobi stressed that the upgrade will serve as a much-needed boost for both personnel and patients.
“The renovation is timely. It is positioned not only to improve the physical environment, but to boost staff morale and restore confidence in our community.”
Dr. Sobi expressed deep gratitude to the project’s main supporters, specifically acknowledging Chairman Sir George Constantinou Jr. and representatives of the Sir Theo Foundation for sponsoring the initiative, alongside Lamana Development Limited, the contractors managing the renovation work.
“As we launch these renovation initiatives, let us remember that we are not just renovating walls and floors, we are renovating hope.”
“We are creating a space where healing can happen faster, where staff can work with dignity, and where every child who walks through these doors knows their importance.”
On behalf of the PMGH Executive Management, Dr. Sobi concluded with high expectations for the development, expressing confidence that the project will be completed safely, on schedule, and to the highest standard.
