Pomio hospital records first twin C-section

People in the Pomio district of East New Britain will now benefit from improved access to emergency healthcare following the successful delivery of twins through the district's first-ever emergency caesarean section.

The operation, carried out at Palmalmal District Hospital, safely delivered a baby girl and a boy while saving the life of their mother, marking the first emergency obstetric surgery of its kind in the district since Independence.

Previously, mothers experiencing serious pregnancy complications had to travel for hours by sea and road to reach specialist services at Nonga Base Hospital in Rabaul, delaying critical treatment and increasing health risks.

The emergency surgery was led by Dr Patrick Ofokonare, assisted by Dr Janet Pika and Dr Ignatius Bolkon, with support from anaesthetic officers, theatre nurses, laboratory staff and other healthcare workers.

Prime Minister James Marape said the successful operation highlighted the importance of having well-equipped rural hospitals and trained medical professionals available in remote districts.

Marape said access to emergency healthcare closer to home saved lives, especially for mothers and babies, and reduced the need for patients to travel long distances for treatment.

He acknowledged the medical team for their professionalism and thanked Health Minister and Pomio MP Elias Kapavore for his leadership in supporting health services in the district.

The Prime Minister added that the achievement demonstrated the value of continuing to strengthen district hospitals so rural communities could receive timely and quality healthcare.

For the people of Pomio, the successful twin delivery is a significant milestone, proving that critical emergency medical care can now be provided closer to home.