Medical history was made in Papua New Guinea on Wednesday, May 14, as the country successfully completed its first kidney transplant. The operation took place at Port Moresby General Hospital and was considered successful after the patient began urinating—a sign the new kidney is functioning.
A follow-up transplant is expected today. Health Minister Elias Kapavore acknowledged the breakthrough as a pioneering achievement for PNG and the broader Pacific, stating it offers a new lease on life to those with kidney failure.
Transplants that once cost K500,000 overseas will now be available locally for under K10,000. Kapavore also mentioned that PMGH handles dialysis for around 50 patients weekly, with each patient visiting three times.
The groundbreaking procedure was facilitated by the government’s endorsement of the National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anesthetic Policy, which outlines clear standards for complex surgeries.
A temporary permit, issued by the new Medical Board under Dr Paul Sali’s leadership, allowed a UK-based surgical team to carry out the operation.
The transplant initiative was led by Dr Okti Poki and kidney surgeon Dr Damien Hasola through the PMGH Kidney Transplant Steering Committee.
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