18 May 2011

PNG's Somare remains in intensive care unit in Singapore

7:07 am on 18 May 2011

Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister, Sir Michael Somare, still remains in the intensive care unit of the Raffles Hospital in Singapore under close observation.

The 75-year old has been in Singapore for over six weeks where complications emerged from one heart operation, requiring a second.

The Post courier newspaper says doctors will only move Sir Michael out to the general day care section if he improves to their satisfaction.

He has been in the hospital since last month

The acting Prime Minister, Sam Abal, confirmed Sir Michael's condition in Parliament.

Mr Abal said he had talked to Sir Michael's physician in Singapore to confirm the current situation.

He also wanted to dispel rumours widely circulated in the country over the weekend, saying Sir Michael had died.

Mr Abal said the intention of the people fuelling and spreading the rumours were sinister, and he asked they stop.