PMGH CEO clarifies radiotherapy status

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has clarified the status of its radiotherapy services and the progress of its Comprehensive Cancer Centre Project, following recent social media claims.

PMGH Chief Executive Officer, Dr Paki Molumi, says reports that cancer patients are actively waiting for radiotherapy treatment at PMGH are incorrect.

In a statement, Dr Molumi said, modern radiotherapy services are currently being established as part of the new state-of-the-art facility.

He says while older cobalt radiation technology is currently available at the ANGAU Memorial Hospital Cancer Centre in Lae, the new PMGH Comprehensive Cancer Centre will feature modern Linear Accelerator or LINAC technology, which generates radiation beams on demand for more precise treatment.

On infrastructure progress, Dr Molumi says power supply connection to the ground floor of the new centre is expected to be completed this week, enabling installation and commissioning to begin immediately.

This will be followed by regulatory approvals and licensing before official services commence.

On funding, Dr Molumi says under the 2026 National Budget, K60-million was appropriated to complete upper-floor structures and initiate chemotherapy, radiotherapy and brachytherapy services, however timelines have been delayed due to late release of funds and a K30-million reduction under the Supplementary Budget.

Meanwhile, Dr Molumi said, the Government remains committed to delivering a modern cancer facility and has appealed to the public and media to refrain from spreading unverified information and to rely on official updates from PMGH and the National Government.