Pediatrician Screens 28 Children in West Sepik for Heart Disease

A total of 28 children in Vanimo, West Sepik, underwent heart disease screening at the Vanimo Provincial Hospital this week.

The screenings were conducted by Chief Pediatrician and Cardiologist Dr Cornelia Kilalang from the National Department of Health, with support from West Sepik PHA Pediatrician Dr Mathilda Dubar Aloitch.

“The purpose of this Provincial Cardiac Screening is to bring pediatric heart services currently unavailable at provincial hospitals closer to the people,” Dr Kilalang said.

Of the 28 children screened, two will be referred to Port Moresby General Hospital for open-heart surgery around June or July.

The remaining children, diagnosed with less severe heart conditions, will begin medical treatment.

The program is sponsored and supported by the Provincial Health Authorities, Operation Open Heart Foundation, Air Niugini, Bank South Pacific Financial Group Limited [BSP], Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Port Moresby General Hospital, the Department of Health, and other supporting organizations.