The President of the PNG Doctors Association, Dr James Naipao, has commended recent developments in specialist healthcare collaboration following a professional visit to Mills Dental Clinic in Port Moresby.
Dr Naipao highlighted that Papua New Guinea is making steady progress toward strengthening its healthcare systems through strategic partnerships between medical and dental disciplines.
“Papua New Guinea is gradually building a more complete and integrated healthcare system. What we are seeing now is the importance of collaboration across specialties to achieve the best possible outcomes for our patients,” Dr Naipao said.
He noted that the advanced capabilities at Mills Dental Clinic, including digital 3D scanning technology, are critical in supporting complex surgical cases, particularly in Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery.
“The level of technology and expertise demonstrated at Mills Dental Clinic is comparable to international standards.
This kind of facility plays a crucial role in supporting surgical interventions, especially for conditions such as cleft lip and palate, airway-related disorders, and facial skeletal reconstruction,” he stated.
Dr Naipao emphasized that collaboration between institutions such as Port Moresby General Hospital, Pacific International Hospital, and private specialist clinics is essential for both training and patient care.
“Our focus is not only on treating patients but also on training the next generation of specialists. Partnerships like these ensure that our postgraduate doctors are exposed to modern techniques and multidisciplinary care models,” he added.
He further described the proposed collaboration as a significant step forward in improving coordinated care for both children and adults.
“This collaboration will enhance patient care by ensuring that pre and post-surgical management is handled seamlessly.
Ultimately, it is about achieving safe, predictable, and uneventful outcomes for our people,” Dr Naipao said.
Dr Naipao concluded by acknowledging Mills Dental Clinic for setting a new benchmark in dental healthcare within Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.
“Mills Dental Clinic has set a standard that demonstrates what is possible in Papua New Guinea. It is encouraging to see such developments, and I commend the team for their commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.”