Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy – Port Moresby General Hospital

Effective Date: 2026

1. Our Commitment to Privacy

Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) is committed to protecting the privacy, confidentiality, dignity and security of patients, visitors, staff, partners and other people who interact with the Hospital and its website.

This Privacy Policy explains how PMGH may collect, use, protect, store and disclose personal information obtained through this website and through online communication channels operated by the Hospital.

PMGH handles personal information responsibly and takes reasonable steps to protect information from unauthorised access, loss, misuse, alteration or disclosure.

2. Information We May Collect

Depending on how you interact with the PMGH website, we may collect information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

• Your name and contact details.
• Email address and telephone number.
• Information submitted through enquiry or contact forms.
• Information provided when requesting information or services.
• Feedback, comments or correspondence submitted to PMGH.
• Other information that you voluntarily provide through our website.

Where information relating to a patient's health or medical care is submitted through an online communication channel, that information may be treated as confidential and sensitive information and will be handled accordingly.

3. Website and Technical Information

When you visit the PMGH website, certain technical information may be automatically collected by our website hosting, security, analytics or other technical systems.

This may include information such as:

• IP address.
• Browser type and version.
• Device type and operating system.
• Date and time of website access.
• Pages visited and general website activity.
• Referring website or webpage.
• Technical information required for website security and operation.

This information may be used to maintain website security, troubleshoot technical problems, understand website usage and improve the quality and performance of our online services.

4. How We Use Personal Information

PMGH may use information collected through the website for legitimate Hospital and public-service purposes, including:

• Responding to enquiries and requests.
• Providing information about Hospital services.
• Communicating with patients, visitors, staff and members of the public.
• Improving website functionality and user experience.
• Maintaining website security and preventing misuse.
• Managing and improving Hospital communication services.
• Meeting applicable legal, regulatory or administrative requirements.

PMGH will seek to collect and use information only for appropriate purposes and will take reasonable steps to avoid using personal information for purposes that are incompatible with the reason it was collected.

5. Patient and Health Information

Patient medical records and health information are confidential. The PMGH website should not be used to submit highly sensitive medical information unless an online service specifically instructs you to do so.

Where personal or health information is submitted through an approved PMGH online service, PMGH will take reasonable steps to protect that information and restrict access to authorised personnel and service providers where appropriate.

For urgent medical matters, patients and members of the public should contact the Hospital or seek appropriate emergency medical assistance rather than relying on website communication channels.

6. When Information May Be Shared

PMGH does not sell or rent personal information for commercial purposes.

Personal information may be disclosed where reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, to authorised persons or service providers, or where disclosure is required or permitted by applicable law.

Information may also be disclosed where necessary to protect the safety, health or vital interests of an individual or another person, or to support the lawful operation and administration of the Hospital.

7. Third-Party Service Providers

PMGH may use trusted third-party providers for services such as website hosting, security, email delivery, analytics, technical support and other website-related functions.

Where such providers handle information on behalf of PMGH, appropriate measures should be taken to require the information to be handled securely and only for authorised purposes.

8. Cookies and Website Technologies

The PMGH website may use cookies or similar technologies to support website functionality, security, performance and analytics.

Cookies are small files or pieces of information stored on your device by a website. Depending on their purpose, some cookies may be necessary for the website to function correctly, while others may be used to understand how visitors use the website.

You may be able to control or disable cookies through your browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect some website functionality.

9. Information Security

PMGH takes reasonable administrative, technical and organisational measures to protect personal information against unauthorised access, misuse, loss, alteration or disclosure.

However, no method of transmitting information over the Internet or storing information electronically can be guaranteed to be completely secure. Users should therefore avoid submitting unnecessary sensitive or confidential information through ordinary website forms or email.

10. Retention of Information

PMGH will retain personal information only for as long as is reasonably necessary for the purpose for which it was collected, for legitimate Hospital requirements, or where retention is required by applicable law, policy or recordkeeping requirements.

11. Accessing or Correcting Your Information

Where appropriate, individuals may request access to personal information held by PMGH about them or request correction of information that they believe is inaccurate or incomplete.

Requests should be directed to PMGH using the Hospital's official contact details. Additional identification or information may be required to verify the identity of the person making a request and to protect confidential information.

12. Links to Other Websites

The PMGH website may contain links to websites or online services operated by third parties.

Once you leave the PMGH website, the privacy practices of the external website will apply. PMGH is not responsible for the privacy practices, security or content of websites that it does not operate.

13. Children and Young People

PMGH recognises that children and young people may use or visit the Hospital website. Where personal information relating to a child is submitted through an online service, parents, guardians or authorised representatives should ensure that information is provided appropriately and only where necessary.

14. Changes to This Privacy Policy

PMGH may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in Hospital procedures, technology, website services or applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

When this policy is updated, the revised version will be published on this website together with an updated effective date where appropriate.

15. Copyright Notice

© 2026 Port Moresby General Hospital. All rights reserved.

Unless otherwise stated, the text, images, graphics, logos, photographs, documents and other materials published on the PMGH website are owned by or used with permission by Port Moresby General Hospital and may be protected by applicable copyright laws.

Reproduction, modification, distribution or commercial use of website materials without appropriate written permission is not permitted, except where otherwise allowed by law.

16. Medical Information Disclaimer

Information published on the PMGH website is provided for general information and public awareness. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

While PMGH makes reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee that all website content will always be complete, current or free from error.

Patients and members of the public should consult an appropriately qualified healthcare professional regarding individual medical conditions, symptoms, diagnosis or treatment.

In an emergency, do not rely solely on information provided on this website. Seek immediate medical assistance or contact the appropriate emergency service.

17. Contact Us About Privacy

If you have questions, concerns or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or the handling of personal information by Port Moresby General Hospital, please contact the Hospital through its official contact channels.

Port Moresby General Hospital
Port Moresby, National Capital District
Papua New Guinea

Email: ENQUIRIES@POMGEN.GOV.PG