A severe shortage of medical drugs and supplies at Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, is crippling patient care across Morobe Province, with doctors warning that lives are at risk.

From the Accident and Emergency department Doctor Alex Peawi, he said that the hospital is running dangerously low on essential medicines such as antibiotics, painkillers, and intravenous fluids.

“It is becoming increasingly difficult to treat patients with serious injuries or illnesses when we do not have basic supplies.”

The shortage has forced patients to buy their own medicines from private pharmacies before receiving treatment.

“It is heartbreaking for us as frontline doctors. We are here to save lives, but without medicines, our hands are tied.”

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kipas Binga confirmed the hospital’s stock remains critically low despite assurances that new shipments would arrive by the end of October.

“We are doing everything possible to sustain operations with the little we have.”

He further stated that the hospital had relied on provincial government support and District Development Authorities (DDAs) to purchase emergency drugs, but funds from a K1.7 million provincial grant earlier this year have run out.

He urged continued support to ensure patients receive timely care.