Local MP Vincent Kumura says continued investment in emergency medevac services is critical for saving lives in remote areas of Usino-Bundi-Gama in the Madang province, following the successful airlift of two emergency patients this month.

Kumura confirmed the district has committed K200,000 to support medevac operations, saying the service is often the only lifeline for communities with limited access to roads and medical facilities.

“These flights save lives,” Kumura said. “Without medevac support, many of our people would not survive emergencies like this.”

The two patients were airlifted by Manalos Aviation to Chimbu Provincial Hospital, where doctors say both are now stable and receiving specialist care.

One patient, Margaret Yagama, a woman in her early 20s, suffered severe complications during her first childbirth after labouring for more than 12 hours. 

She experienced excessive blood loss and a serious third-degree tear, requiring urgent medical attention. With no advanced care available locally, she and her newborn were evacuated to hospital, where both are now recovering.

The second patient, a woman in her late 40s from Snow Pass, has a history of asthma and endured severe shortness of breath for over 24 hours. With no oxygen support available in the area, she was also flown to hospital and remains under medical supervision.

Health officials say the evacuations highlight the challenges faced by remote communities, where medical emergencies can quickly become life-threatening.

The operations were carried out through coordination between Manalos Aviation, hospital medical teams, the Chimbu Provincial Authority, and the district administration.

For families in isolated villages, emergency flights remain a vital service—often making the difference between life and death.