The Papua New Guinea Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNG CORE) has delivered a major boost to pediatric healthcare in the Highlands region with the donation of vital medical equipment to the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority last Saturday.
Since its launch in 2023, the PNG CORE Charity Golf Challenge—held annually in Sydney— has become a flagship fundraising initiative, uniting the extractive industries and corporate partners in a shared mission to give back to communities in meaningful and impactful ways.
PNG CORE stated that the 2023 and 2024 events raised a combined total of PGK 300,000, with PGK 280,683.06 used to procure life-saving medical equipment for Mt. Hagen’s pediatric ward.
“The donation includes:
- Phototherapy Light – for treating newborn jaundice
- Siemens P500 Portable Ultrasound – for advanced diagnostics
- Additional Portable Ultrasound Unit – for bedside assessments
- Welch Allyn Connex Monitor – for real-time patient monitoring
- Clements Ceevac Suction Pump – for airway clearance and emergency care
- Liberty Nebulizer – to support children with respiratory conditions
- Visionaire 5L Oxygen Concentrator – for critical oxygen therapy
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO Jane Holden, highlighted the hospital’s growing patient load, driven by internal migration and conflict.
She noted a 125% increase in outpatient visits and a 20% rise in admissions, with many children arriving in vulnerable conditions.
Ms. Holden also highlighted that Mt. Hagen Hospital has consistently ranked among the top-performing Provincial Health Authorities in the country, despite operating with significantly lower per-patient funding than other regions.
“The hospital’s pediatric ward, originally funded for 48 beds, is currently caring for over 100 children—underscoring the urgent need for expanded support,” she added.
She described the donation as transformational, enabling the hospital to continue delivering high-quality care despite limited resources.
Western Highlands Governor Wai Rapa commended PNG CORE for recognizing Mt. Hagen Hospital’s role as a critical referral centre for the Highlands region.
He noted that the hospital continues to serve patients from multiple provinces, often under challenging conditions, and welcomed the donation as a timely and well-directed investment in the region’s healthcare infrastructure.
“This donation is more than just equipment—it’s a symbol of our commitment to supporting healthcare in regions that often go unnoticed. Mt. Hagen is a vital hub for the Highlands, and we are proud to contribute to the wellbeing of its children. This is just the beginning of a long-term partnership,” states PNG CORE President Anthony Smaré.
“Mt. Hagen Hospital is not only serving its province—it’s carrying the burden of surrounding regions affected by displacement and conflict. The dedication of its staff is extraordinary, and we are humbled to support their work. This initiative reflects our shared responsibility to uplift communities and ensure healthcare reaches those who need it most.
We were particularly impressed by the professionalism, discipline, and compassion shown by the hospital staff. Good governance and operational excellence are key criteria when PNG CORE considers donations, and Mt. Hagen Hospital exemplifies both,” added PNG CORE Senior Vice President Richard Kassman.
PNG CORE also acknowledges the generous support of its sponsors, whose contributions made this initiative possible: Prime Minister James Marape for the government’s contribution of K100,000, K92 Mining Limited, Kumul Minerals Holdings Limited, Sun Engineering, Santos, Newmont Corporation, High Arctic Energy Services, Nimamar Capital Limited, Twinza Oil Limited, PNG CR Services Company Limited, Oro Nickel, and Larus Energy.
This initiative aligns with PNG CORE’s strategic goal of supporting community development and healthcare across Papua New Guinea.
“By working together, the industry and its partners are helping the nation reach its full potential,” PNG CORE added.