Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O’Neill keen on Cuban doctors

Discussions to bring Cuban doctors to work in Papua New Guinea will be held in November.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill, in a statement issued by his office this afternoon, said the country should have an open policy when it comes to tackling its health challenges.

“Disease and illness do not observe borders, and we in Papua New Guinea must have an open policy to bring in expertise and skills where we can find them around the world. Expanding universal healthcare is a core policy of our Government, and we are working to increase the number of healthcare professionals that serve our people,” he said.

“We have increased the number of young doctors and nurses coming through our system, and we are talking with our partners overseas.

We will continue discussion with Cuba on the prospect for bringing doctors to work in our districts. I also met today with representatives from China’s Health Department who shared their experience in dealing with Malaria in Africa.”

In a meeting with Dr Shin Young-soo, the World Health Organization's regional director for the Western Pacific, the PM shared an update on current healthcare policy developments in the nation and the ongoing desire to further engage with the WHO.

“The programs delivered by the World Health Organization have made a real difference in our country. This includes the Global Polio Eradication Initiative that is spearheaded by the World health Organization. The initiative is an important step towards a polio-free world.”

Mr O’Neill said the the program that has been rolled out in the current term of Government has is having successes, but more work is needed.

“We have changed the way healthcare is delivered in Papua New Guinea. You can see this in the way we have refurbished and restored many of our hospitals.

The change that has occurred in Port Moresby General Hospital in the past few years is just one example. We still have a way to go, but we are making progress and this is keeping more of our people alive and families in good health,” he added.