PAPUA NEW GUINEA’S NEW ERA OF CANCER CARE

As part of its 50th Independence celebrations, Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) welcomed guests on a special walkthrough of the Comprehensive Cancer Centre; a facility set to transform cancer treatment in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

Led by the hospital’s Senior Executive Management and the Cancer Unit, Acting Health Secretary Mr. Ken Wai and Deputy Secretary for Medical Services Dr. Dora Lenturut-Katal, toured the state-of-the-art bunkers that will soon house life-saving radiotherapy machines, marking a new era for patients who previously had limited treatment options.

Chief Executive Officer of PMGH Dr. Paki Molumi, described the project as ‘the most technically sophisticated health infrastructure ever undertaken in PNG’.

Launched in 2019 and fully funded by the government through the Public Investment Program, with support from Kumul Petroleum Holdings, the Centre is being built to international standards with guidance from global oncology experts.

Dr. Molumi noted that while the project has faced funding challenges, it has made steady progress.

“Phases I and II are complete, Phase III is 80% done, and Phase IV has already commenced.”

Commissioning of Phase III is expected in early 2026, with services such as chemotherapy, brachytherapy, and radiotherapy to be introduced in stages.

Once fully completed, the Cancer Centre will serve as a one-stop shop for cancer care, bringing together chemotherapy, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine, immunotherapy, bone marrow transplant services, and more under one roof.

“This centre will eliminate the need for Papua New Guineans to travel overseas for treatment.”

“It symbolizes our nation’s capacity to deliver world-class care at home, with pride and independence.”

During the walkthrough, Mr. Ken Wai commended PMGH management for the progress of the centre and acknowledged their commitment to advancing specialized healthcare for the people of PNG.

The walkthrough gave a glimpse into a future where hope, innovation, and accessibility will define cancer care for generations to come.