With more ultrasound scan equipment and trained physicians carrying out the procedure, more lives can be saved.
Dr Leslie Kawa, a consulting physician and cardiologist at the Port Moresby General Hospital, says even with one ultrasound scanner available, many lives can be saved.
His comments follow a cheque presentation by PNG Ports Corporation to Port Moresby General Hospital for the purchase of an ultrasound scanning machine, worth over K145,000.
Kawa said the particular machine that will be purchased is a mobile unit which can be transported easily and used to determine the severity of illness and a prognosis given quickly.
“The machine that you are actually purchasing now is going to be used to save a lot of lives. And I’ve lost patients because I can’t do their scans.
“I really thank you for this very good Christmas donation that is going to save the loves of a lot of our people who cannot afford very expensive medical care in other private institutions,” said Kawa.
PNGPCL board chairman, Nathaniel Poiya, said the shortage of doctors combined with deteriorating facilities and lack of equipment is a major issue faced by Government-run health facilities.
He said the funding is part of their contribution to the strategy of the government to develop the health sector.
The ultrasound machine will be purchased from Meddent, one of the country’s suppliers of dental, medical and scientific & research equipment, at a cost of K149,762.80.
The equipment is expected to be brought in by February and officially handed over to the PomGen.
The machine has three main functions and can carry ultrasound scans on the heart, blood vessels and the abdomen.