Maternal and newborn deaths remain a concern in Madang Province due to ongoing difficulties in emergency medical retrievals from remote areas.

Madang Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Martin Daimen said poor road access, limited transport options and lack of funding for helicopter medivacs continue to delay urgent care for pregnant mothers.

He said while air evacuations are often the only option in critical cases, there is no dedicated funding, forcing reliance on aviation companies that provide services on a credit basis.

Dr Daimen said discussions are underway with the provincial government and district authorities to seek long-term support for emergency air retrievals.

In a recent response, two patients were airlifted to Modilon General Hospital and treated. During the same period, a stillborn baby linked to placenta previa and a man with a severe bush knife injury died while awaiting evacuation.

Health officials say improving emergency transport is key to reducing preventable deaths in the province.