PNG Paediatric Patients Set For Specialist Operations Under New Partnership

PNG paediatric patients are expected to receive complex and potentially life-saving operations as local hospitals strengthen cooperation with Paradise Private Hospital and an Australian specialist surgical organisation.

A two-year partnership between Paradise Private Hospital and Kind Cuts for Kids Australia will support specialist treatment in PNG while creating opportunities for local paediatric surgeons and other health professionals to gain experience through joint procedures and clinical training.

The arrangement was officially marked yesterday with the signing of an MOU at Port Moresby General Hospital.

 PNG Paediatric Patients Set For Specialist Operations Under New Partnership/Photo supplied

PMGH Director of Medical Services Dr Kone Sobi welcomed the agreement and credited Paradise Private Hospital with supporting the public hospital through the Public-Private Partnership Policy.

Dr Sobi said the relationship had already enabled local doctors and patients to benefit from the specialist skills of Professor Paddy Dewan, who carried out complex paediatric operations during a visit in May.

“We are grateful that Professor Dewan is back in the country, thanks to Paradise Private Hospital for making it possible,” he said.

Janet Sios, co-owner and Director of Finance and Commercial at Paradise Private Hospital, said the new agreement would provide a longer-term framework for improving specialist paediatric surgery in the country.

She said the focus would include patient care as well as developing the skills and confidence of PNG medical professionals.

“The two-year MOU establishes a framework for collaboration between PPH and KCfK, with a shared focus on improving access to limited specialized surgical care that can be performed in-country, while supporting the development of local healthcare professionals through partnerships and surgical programs in PNG,” Mrs Sios said.

The latest programme led by Professor Dewan will cover hospitals in both Port Moresby and Mt Hagen.

Operations at Paradise Private Hospital are scheduled for today and Sunday, followed by a visit to Western Highlands Provincial Hospital from Monday to Wednesday.

Professor Dewan will return to Port Moresby on Thursday and undertake further complex procedures at PMGH on Friday and Saturday.

The visiting specialist, who works as a paediatric urologist and surgeon with Kind Cuts for Kids Australia, said he welcomed the opportunity to work with PNG’s medical teams.

“PNG has a wealth of paediatric surgical talent that has been relatively unrecognized and untapped,” Professor Dewan said.

The partnership is expected to broaden access to specialised paediatric procedures while helping local clinicians develop through direct surgical participation, mentorship and specialist collaboration.