Two-child policy for PNG

The National Government is being urged to consider a 2 child policy for the country, as it struggles to provide basic services for the millions of its population.

The health system is bearing the brunt of this increasing population, resulting in provision of health services not up to standard.

Academic Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Papua New Guinea's Medical Faculty, Professor Glen Mola told NBC News the government should come up with a 2-child policy.

Every day, between 40-50 babies are born daily at the Port Moresby General Hospital’s labor ward, half of whom get delivered on beds while the rest are delivered on the floor due to a lack of beds and spacing.

Last year, the hospital delivered 15,000 babies and they’re projecting a 3000 increase this year, going up to 18-000.

It’s a recommendation that the Government could consider, Health Minister Elias Kapavore says.

It's been revealed about 60 percent of first-time pregnancies at the Port Moresby General Hospital are unplanned, showing an even greater need for better family planning for families and consideration of this proposed 2-child policy recommendation.