In a significant boost to community healthcare, the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) have joined forces to enhance maternity services across the city.

Operating under a current Memorandum of Understanding, this strategic partnership has fully transformed the Labor Ward at the Metoreia Urban Health Centre.

The facility is now staffed around the clock by trained midwives from both health organizations and is equipped with new delivery beds to ensure mothers have access to reliable care right in their neighborhood.

Additionally, specialist doctors from PMGH visit the clinic every week, bringing expert medical attention directly to the community level and saving families from making long trips to the main hospital.

This collaborative framework has already yielded impressive results, dramatically increasing Metoreia's capacity from just a few births a day to an average of nine to eleven babies delivered daily.

By managing more localized births, the health center is successfully relieving severe overcrowding at PMGH's main maternity ward.

The Deputy Director of Medical Services at PMGH, Dr. Henao Asa, highlighted the broader vision behind this initiative, stating, “Our vision at PMGH is to be the ultimate provider of quality healthcare for Papua New Guinea.”

He explained that, “This partnership with NCDPHA allows us to extend specialist services into the community, reducing congestion at PMGH while ensuring mothers can deliver safely at Metoreia.”

Dr. Asa further emphasized that, “With weekly specialist support and trained midwives, we are committed to bringing healthcare services closer to families and achieving the national health plan goals of leaving no one behind.”

The initiative reflects a shared commitment to upholding the dignity and safety of women during childbirth.

Chief Executive Officer of NCDPHA, Dr. Robin Oge, echoed these sentiments, asserting, “Every mother deserves safe, dignified care when giving birth.”

He noted that by working closely with the hospital management, they are expanding essential services so that women across Port Moresby have a dependable local alternative for giving birth.

“This partnership is about bringing care closer to our people and ensuring no mother is left behind,” Dr. Oge stated, adding, “I sincerely acknowledge PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi and his management team for their strong commitment and continued collaboration with NCDPHA to strengthen health services for our communities.”

With the 24-hour service now fully operational, expectant mothers in the capital are highly encouraged to utilize the Metoreia Urban Health Centre Labor Ward for safe deliveries, comprehensive postnatal care, and ongoing medical support for their newborns.