Australian charity PNG Angels has successfully completed its eighth neurosurgical mission at Port Moresby General Hospital, providing essential medical care and training from the 17 to 21 March 2025.
During this mission, the volunteer medical team collaborated with local doctors to perform a range of complex neurosurgical procedures, including Anterior Cervical Discectomy Fusion (ACDF), craniotomy, laminectomy decompression, foraminotomy, and dura repair following a traumatic knife injury.
These procedures not only delivered urgent medical care to patients but also served as hands-on training opportunities for hospital staff.
As part of its commitment to strengthening healthcare in PNG, PNG Angels donated K568,000 worth of specialized medical equipment to Port Moresby General Hospital.
In addition, the team provided training sessions to ensure local medical staff can confidently use the new technology.
Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Neurosurgeon at Port Moresby General Hospital, welcomed the donation of a neuroendoscope, calling it a major advancement for neurosurgery in PNG:
“The introduction of skull base endoscopes will enable us to perform minimally invasive procedures to treat skull base tumors, pituitary lesions, CSF leaks, and other complex cranial conditions.”
“This technology will lead to safer surgeries, faster recoveries, and better patient outcomes.”
“This mission also marks five years of partnership between PNG Angels and Port Moresby General Hospital.”
Dr. Paki Molumi, CEO of Port Moresby General Hospital, highlighted the impact of this collaboration: “Since their first mission in 2020, PNG Angels has played a critical role in transforming neurosurgical care in Papua New Guinea.”
“Their volunteer teams have performed over 60 life-saving surgeries and delivered more than 774 hours of clinical training to our staff.”
“Their latest donation, including the neuroendoscope, will further enhance our ability to perform minimally invasive procedures, improving patient safety and recovery times.”
“On behalf of the hospital, I thank PNG Angels for their dedication to improving healthcare in PNG.”
Dr. Marc Coughlan, Neurosurgeon and Founder of PNG Angels, emphasized the charity’s long-term goal: “While we have completed over 75 neurosurgical procedures in PNG, our main focus is education and training.”
“Our vision is to build a self-sufficient neurosurgery program in Papua New Guinea, ensuring long-term access to high-quality care.”
The mission was led by an experienced team of medical professionals, including Dr. Luke Timmermans, Dr. Saeed Kohan, Dr. Saira Hussain, Asha Ajayakumar, Samantha Brown, Lisa Copp, Hannah Almady, Summer Leonard, and Melissa Millar, alongside PNG Angels’ directors Susannah Hales and Yvette Mobbs.
Many of the volunteers have participated in multiple missions, strengthening long-term relationships with the local medical community.
Dr. Saira Hussain, Specialist Anaesthetist, reflected on the experience: “Working alongside local teams was an incredible learning opportunity.”
“That human connection is invaluable, and I feel I learned as much from them as they did from me.”
PNG Angels remains committed to improving patient outcomes, training local medical teams, and building long-term neurosurgical capacity in Papua New Guinea.