CONJOINED TWINS FLOWN TO PORT MORESBY AFTER LIFE-SAVING MEDIVAC FROM BRAUN HOSPITAL | 15 October 2025
- pr0899
- Oct 24
- 3 min read
Manolos Aviation and Braun Hospital coordinate critical operations as twins prepare for further treatment in Sydney.
Two conjoined twin boys delivered at Braun Memorial Hospital in Finschhafen, Morobe Province, have been safely flown to Port Moresby ahead of an expected medical transfer to Sydney, Australia, for specialist treatment.
The twins, who are yet to be named, were born last Friday in a surprise delivery that quickly became one of the most challenging medical emergencies handled by the rural hospital in recent years. The successful outcome was made possible through the teamwork of Dr. Kovei Umba, the dedicated staff at Braun Hospital, and Manolos Aviation, which carried out the urgent medivac operation.
Dr. Umba, who helped deliver the babies, said the situation was initially dire.
“At first, I did not think the boys would survive,” he said. “But they have started breastfeeding and are doing well.”
The twins’ mother, Fatima Kevin, described the emotional moment when she learned of her babies’ rare condition. “My doctor saw there were two heads and two heartbeats before I was discharged from my clinic on Wednesday,” she said. “On Friday, my water broke and they had to do a caesarean operation for me to have my babies. After the operation, the baby who came first turned black, and they realised they were joined twins.”
Despite the unexpected nature of the delivery, the medical team at Braun Hospital responded swiftly, stabilizing both infants before their transfer. Manolos Aviation then facilitated the medical evacuation to Lae and onward to Port Moresby, where the twins are now under specialist care.
This marks yet another milestone for Manolos Aviation, which has conducted more than 1,000 medivacs across Papua New Guinea over the past 16 years. The company’s commitment to reaching isolated communities has saved countless lives in areas where access to healthcare remains a daily challenge.
Rural aviation and rural medicine remain critical lifelines for Papua New Guinea’s remote populations. Recent efforts such as the reopening of the Imane village airstrip in the Markham District and the introduction of internet connectivity continue to demonstrate the country’s progress in linking isolated families to essential services.
While much work remains, the collaboration between healthcare professionals, aviation operators, and local leaders offers renewed hope. Support for rural aviation providers like Manolos Aviation, Good Samaritan Aviation, and Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) remains vital to ensuring that no Papua New Guinean is left behind because of distance or terrain.
As the conjoined twins continue their recovery, Papua New Guineans are urged to keep them and their mother in their prayers.
“There is still much work to be done,” a supporter said. “But this story reminds us that when compassion meets commitment, miracles can happen even in the most remote corners of our country.”
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