National Heart Foundation shuts down operations in PNG with a heartwarming K69,000 donation to Mt Hagen Hospital

The National Heart Foundation has donated almost K69,661 to the cardiac ward of Mt Hagen Hospital to assist children battling heart problems.

The donation also marked the foundation's last contribution, as it has decided to close operations after providing service for almost 35 years in Papua New Guinea.

NHF had planned to use the remaining funds to support Loo Pok Clinic at the Hagen hospital in an effort to reduce the number of patients particularly children suffering from heart diseases.

NHF patron Douglas Young said the foundation has undergone many transitions and overtime there has been a decline in membership, prompting the shutdown.

Young and lifetime member David Guinn, have made the decision to close the foundation and allocate the remaining funds to the cardiac ward.

"The Foundation has decided that the remaining balance from the Foundation's account be diverted to the Loo Pok Clinic at the Mt Hagen Hospital to cater for children especially suffering and battling with heart diseases so that they can have a second chance to life," the patron and Archbishop of the Mt Hagen Catholic Archdiocese, Young said.

"What better way to close the Fou nation than giving back to the very people the Foundation existed for."

Guinn said being able to assist the Loo Pok Clinic over the years and positively impact the lives of children, was satisfying.

" I also want to thank all members who have contributed in various capacities over the years to help improve and save lives of children with heart problems in Papua New Guinea," the remaining member of the foundation said.

Meantime, Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority acting chief executive officer Jane Holden expressed gratitude for the NHF's generosity and it's ongoing support to improving the lives of children with cardiac issues at the Loo Pok's Clinic.

Holden said their final contribution was to help give children second chance to life