A recent visit from the Plastic Surgery team at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) has brought life-changing relief to 25 patients in the Western Highlands Province.
The team visited Mt. Hagen Hospital from June 29 to July 5, 2025, where they screened 56 patients at the Consultation Clinic.
Out of those, 26 patients were scheduled for surgery, and 25 underwent plastic surgery. One case was cancelled due to an essential hypertension, but the remaining surgeries were completed successfully.
In just five days, the dedicated team performed corrective surgeries, bringing renewed hope and healing to 19 children and 6 adults.
The surgical team from Port Moresby was headed up by Dr. Jackson Nuli, who specializes in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Dr. Hilbert Tovirika, the Anaesthetist.
“This achievement reflects the talent, effectiveness, and strong work ethic of our team,” said Dr. Ben Yapo, deputy chief surgeon at Mt. Hagen Hospital. “It would not have been possible without the swift approval and coordination from our acting CEO, Jane Holden, whose leadership empowered both our theatre staff and the visiting team.”
He also thanked his local team for their support, saying this was a testament to the talent, effectiveness, commitment, and work culture they have in their workspace.
Dr. Nuli emphasized the importance of having the right tools, noting that PMGH currently lacks the device needed for repairing palate defects, an essential resource for treating children with cleft conditions. He praised Mt. Hagen Hospital for its commitment to high-quality outcomes and access to appropriate surgical equipment.
The two visiting doctors observed a notable difference in their experience at Mt Hagen Hospital compared to other hospitals across the country. Typically, their visits involve fewer cases for several days. However, during their time at Mt Hagen Hospital, they were able to complete the cases, despite operating with only one theatre.
In a gesture of support, Dr. Tovirika donated a capnography device to the theatre department. This advanced tool monitors respiratory health and enables faster response times when patients experience breathing difficulties.
