Port Moresby General Hospital (PNGH) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Paki Molumi is urging the families and relatives of unclaimed bodies at the hospital's mortuary to collect and bury them as the facility is about to reach its maximum holding capacity.

Currently, the hospital mortuary, including refrigerated containers, can hold 300 bodies.  With an average of 10 to 15 admissions per day, Dr. Molumi said the hospital needs space for incoming cases.

“We urge the public, if you have loved ones at the mortuary, please come and claim them for burial to create space for new bodies,” he said.

Unclaimed bodies, particularly those who die on arrival or have no identified relatives, are subject to mass burials after court clearance. So far, the hospital conducted three to four mass burials, each involving 15 to 20 bodies.

Looking ahead, Dr. Molumi revealed plans to expand the mortuary with funding from the Indonesian government.

The new facility, currently under design review, is expected to begin construction in the first quarter of 2026.

The upgraded mortuary will include increased storage, a forensic medicine section for post-mortems, an environment-controlled preservation area, funeral service facilities, and a chapel. Cremation services, however, will not be included in the current design.

Dr. Molumi also highlighted the hospital’s medical achievements and plans for the coming year. In February 2026, Port Moresby General Hospital will perform kidney transplants for five patients, following the successful recovery of two previous transplant recipients who have returned to work and normal life.

Cancer care and programs addressing lifestyle-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease will also be expanded.

“We aim to provide comprehensive healthcare to the people of Papua New Guinea as part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations,” Dr. Molumi said.