A 10-member team of volunteer medical professionals from Australia, the PNG Angels, on their 7th mission to Papua New Guinea (PNG), were at the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) recently from the 3rd to the 7th of June performing 18 life-saving surgeries.
This team consisting of neurosurgeons, nurses and anesthetists, operated on 4 children and 14 adults, addressing spine and brain tumor cases.
Also joining the team was PMGH’s very own neurosurgeon, Dr. Benjamin Thomas, who travelled into the country from Sydney where he is doing a 6-month course.
Neurosurgeon, Founder and Director of PNG Angels, Dr Marc Coughlan, said he was keen to work in collaboration with the local neurosurgical team and that his emphasis was helping with surgeries as well as training and upskilling the staff in areas such as intensive care, the ward, and in theater.
“So, we’ve sort of expanded it to try and do all facets and not just come and operate, but to also help with the post-op care. So, I’d really like to just thank the local theatre team in particular for accommodating us. A lot of other theatres were moved so that we could accommodate up to about 18 surgeries this week and the logistics were phenomenal,” he stated.
Acknowledging the support of the PNG Angels on behalf of the neurosurgical unit, Dr Benjamin Thomas said he was grateful to the team for the one week spent at PMGH.
“I am so grateful for the team from Sydney, they sacrificed one week of their time to work in PMGH. It’s a lot. It’s a big charity that they’ve given back to PNG people and to the hospital. We are so appreciative of their efforts to come over,” he stated.
On behalf of the management, Dr Henao Asa, Clinical Governance Chairman, acknowledged the support and commitment of the PNG Angels as well as highlighted the importance of collaboration with the increase in patients at the hospital.
“From PMGH, from the management, we are committed to maintaining a safe, pleasant, and healthy environment for our staff, our patients, and our visitors, including healthcare, generally, at PNG. From our side, from the management side, we are showing that we are here to support. But on behalf of our management, your presence here is a testament to the spirit of collaboration. We are honored to have you with us,”
he stated.
He also emphasized on PMGH’s strategy being centered on providing quality healthcare for the population of PNG as well as its vision’s alignment to National Health Plan 2021-2030 in achieving the Government’s Vision 2050.
The #PNGAngels, an Australian-registered charity dedicated to providing volunteer medical services to PNG, not only carried out these crucial surgeries but also supplied essential medical equipment and training to the local healthcare professionals.
This mission underscores their commitment to enhancing the medical capabilities and improving the future of healthcare in our region.