First ever kidney transplant a success

The country made medical history yesterday [Wednesday, 14th May] with its first ever and successful kidney transplant.

The transplant which began late yesterday evening, was reported a success - with the recipient able to make urine, the first sign of a functioning kidney.

The second transplant is scheduled for today.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore described the milestone as a first for the country and region- adding that patients now can now access treatment cheaply and within country.

It costs about 500 thousand kina for a kidney transplant overseas, and with the service provided in the country, the Health Minister has assured it will cost less than 10 thousand kina.

Kapavore says about 50 patients visit the Port Moresby General Hospital for dialysis 3 times a week.

This historic transplant comes after the National Executive Council approved the enabling National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anesthetic Policy - paving way for this milestone organ transplant.

A temporary license was approved by the recently sworn in Medical Board team, led by Chairman, Dr Paul Sali, for the visiting Kidney transplant team from the United Kingdom to undertake.

This policy took more than seven years and comprises comprehensive sets of standard operational procedures to operationalise the policy.

The Kidney Transplant Steering Committee is led by Chief Surgeon at PMGH Dr Okti Poki and his team of clinicians with team leader and kidney surgeon Dr Damien Hasola.