Health

Specialized healthcare requires high-specialized skills, medical equipment, instruments, drugs and consumables. Most of this expertise is not available in the country.

Last week, four Singaporean health specialists visited PMGH to conduct pediatric laparoscopic surgeries with the local team. The visiting team consisted of two surgeons and two anesthetists from KK Women's and Children’s Hospital in Singapore.

Secretary for Health Dr. Osborne Liko said the number of TB cases increased from 30,000 notifications in 2021 to 37, 000 in 2022. This represents a 19% increase in the number of cases to major hospitals.

He said he has written to the Governor of the Bank of Papua New Guinea to facilitate fast clearance of foreign exchange for the purchase of TB drugs.

Dr. Liko said the expected time of arrival of the usual supply is August 10, 2023.

This was stressed during an awareness on the illegal sales of drugs and its effects conducted last week which was initiated by the East New Britain Provincial Authority and carried out in the four local level governments of Rabaul district.

Speaking during the awareness at Tavui No.1 of Balanataman LLG was district health coordinator, Garry Mano who highlighted some of the effects of taking medicine sold by street vendors or from unauthorised distributors.

The symposium is scheduled to take place in Port Moresby from September 10^th- 15th. The theme of this year's symposium, "Holistic Approach to Cancer," holds significant importance as it aims to address the multifaceted challenges posed by this devastating disease.

Janet Sios, the Finance Director at Paradise Hospital, expressed her gratitude and appreciation to the Papua New Guinea Medical Society and the Organizing Committee for extending the invitation and providing the hospital with the opportunity to be a part of this prestigious event.

This follows after the Chinese government signed a renewed protocol for the continuation of China's medical team to PNG, signalling a strong desire to continue medical and healthcare exchanges between the two countries.

The China Medical Team Leader, Chen Gang said since the inception of the team in PNG they have trained and conducted invasive healthcare services to the people of PNG and invite the PNG medical team to get medical training in overseas.

Through this collaboration between the National Superannuation Fund Ltd (Nasfund) and Pacific International Hospital (PIH), more than 50 staff of Nasfund based in both Port Moresby and the branch operations, who joined in via Zoom attended the session on the 14th of July 2023.

Dr Mathias Sapuri, an author and publisher of more than 60 books with 35 years of clinical experience conducted a comprehensive health talk, that ensured all staff members are equipped with vital knowledge about cancer prevention, detection, and early intervention.

This episode, the first in a two-part deep dive into the challenges facing rural health services, follows Dr Nancy Hamura as she conducts health checks for a remote community in Eastern Highlands Province.

The local health centre has not had running water for almost ten years and land disputes have left the centre unable to cater to the needs of the community.

The phase one of communication tool was implemented and at the same time completed by MAF Technologies which includes both High Frequency and Very High Frequency Radio.

Cross patching of the two different radio frequency will make communication convenient especially for remote communities.

Doctors from the hospital will be able to use the system to collect data while assisting patients 24/7.

The program under the National Capital District Commission will run from June the 17^th – 21^st and will have a hub of activities, classes, promotions, talks, and performances. It will unite individuals, organizations and promote holistic well-being.

On Sunday 18^th, the highlight was the Mass Yoga Session that was conducted by the Founder and Director of Active City Program, Fazilah Bazari, who hosted the event from 6am-8am at Ela Beach. It showcased the inclusivity and positive impact of yoga on individuals from all walks of life.

This week, health workers comprising of 10 teams under the Rabaul Provincial Hospital (RPH), Gelagela Health Centre and Rabaul town urban clinic, are now wrapping up the immunization program which kicked off in May.

District Health Coordinator, Garry Mano said according to schedule, this week will cover mop-up which includes verification of data collected during the first two weeks of the rollout.