Ruh J1
1Manolos Aviation
Biography:
Jurgen Ruh and his team have conducted Rural Medevacs in PNG for over 16 years with little support. Initially from Germany he came to PNG 42 years ago and never looked back. He never had a plan to be where he is today, but seeing the needs, one thing let to another, and today is operating a fleet of twin engine helicopters with the main focus of assisting mothers in remote PNG, who run into difficulties during unsupervised and unchecked childbirth
Abstract
The Conjoined twins Tom and Sawong were born on the 9th of October 2025 in the only Rural Hospital in the Finschhafen District. There was no functioning Scanner resulting in surprises.
They were fused at the lower abdomen and Tom had multiple birth defects including the Heart and Lung.
The twins were flown from the Braun Rural Hospital to the Angau Memorial Hospital in Lae, the Provincial Hospital. Angau did not have a Neonatal ICU, but the babies survived. on the 15th of October the twins were flown to the Nations referral Hospital, the Port Moresby General Hospital. from there the problems started. The Parents were told twice to go back home, there was no hope for overseas treatment.
At this time Jurgen Ruh intervened. Past difficulties now looked minor. I found out that there was no established referral pathway for infants with difficulties beyond the capabilities of a PNG Hospital. With the assistance of Media many alternate options were established. However Tom did deteriorate over time, and the most simple Protein supplements needed were not available anywhere in PNG. Due to public opinion and pressure a one of referral pathway was established and the twins were airlifted by NETS to Sydney. The Moment the twins were handed into the capable hands of NETS, our experience changed from relentless pushing to WOW. Just 4 days after Airlift, the twins had an emergency separation which could not be done in PNG. Sawong survived and is doing very well