Conjoined twins in PNG could be sent to Germany for surgery after Australia hopes fall through

[TootsieFootsie]

MSN

ABC Australia

Conjoined twins in PNG could be sent to Germany for surgery after Australia hopes fall through​

The parents of conjoined twins in Papua New Guinea who had hoped to send their babies to Sydney for surgery are now desperately trying to go to Germany instead, saying Australia is too expensive.

Male twins Tom and Sawrong were born on October 9 in remote PNG, joined at the lower abdomen.

The boys share a single liver and portions of their gastrointestinal tract. One twin also has a congenital heart defect and only one kidney.

Last week it was reported that the twins were expected to be sent to Sydney for further medical treatment — but the ABC can now reveal these plans are in doubt.

Ms Tinga said doctors in Port Moresby told her it was too expensive to send the children to Australia.

"It would be at a cost that is far too high, so they said they are looking at other avenues," she said.

Australia's Department of Home Affairs says patients seeking a visa for medical purposes usually have to pre-arrange payment of medical bills.

"This is to show that it will not cost money to an Australian government or public authority," the Home Affairs website states.

"You can show this with written proof from a public or private hospital. This must confirm that it has approved your treatment and arrangements to pay all the costs."

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Me.
What kind of a hard hearted country are we turning into

 

[iamshadow21]

They're here.

Conjoined twins airlifted to Australia as case reaches 'critical' point

A rare set of conjoined twins are being urgently airlifted from Papua New Guinea to Australia, with doctors recommending they be separated as soon as possible.

www.abc.net.au

 

[justtrish]

They're here.

Conjoined twins airlifted to Australia as case reaches 'critical' point

A rare set of conjoined twins are being urgently airlifted from Papua New Guinea to Australia, with doctors recommending they be separated as soon as possible.

www.abc.net.au

What precious little boys. It's incredible that they can even do a surgery to separate them. I can't imagine the fear the parents have.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

The hospital in Australia is still talking about having to be paid first.
This is the first time I've ever heard an Australian hospital say that in cases like this.

I'm hoping they both will survive.

 

[iamshadow21]

The hospital in Australia is still talking about having to be paid first.
This is the first time I've ever heard an Australian hospital say that in cases like this.

I'm hoping they both will survive.

Yeah, it baffles me. We've handled conjoined twins before, and severe burn care before (Safari), for children from countries without the ability to help them. Why is this not an altruistic situation where we as a country help because we can? If nothing else, it's about being a good neighbour.

MOO