By GINNAH MINI
THE Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) on Tuesday presented K83,628 and three television sets to the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) Cancer Department to support cancer care services for women.
The donation is part of RPNGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting cancer awareness and treatment in the country through its annual Breast Cancer Pinktober Awareness campaign, which began in 2022.
Through the campaign, RPNGC has been supporting the PNG Cancer Foundation and PMGH’s Cancer Department by raising awareness about early cancer detection and conducting fundraising activities.
In her remarks, RPNGC Officer-in-Charge of Welfare, Inspector Susan Rumints, acknowledged the devastating impact cancer has had on many women in Papua New Guinea.
Inspector Rumints said that while the constabulary’s primary responsibility was to save lives and protect property, it had also recognised the need to support women affected by cancer.
“We have come to help and assist in any way that we could, and together we will fight this disease,” she said.
Of the total funds raised, K21,000 was allocated to Healthcare Management Consultancy Limited for the supply of cancer equipment and medicines to the PMGH Cancer Department.
PMGH Director of Medical Services, Dr Kone Sobi, expressed the hospital’s appreciation to RPNGC for its continued support.
Dr Sobi said cooperation among all stakeholders was essential in addressing the growing cancer burden in the country.
Head of the PMGH Cancer Department, Dr Peter Olali, said cancer treatment remained expensive, while limited equipment and resources continued to pose challenges in diagnosing and treating the disease locally.
He said the funds donated by RPNGC would make a significant contribution to improving the cancer care services provided by the hospital.
Dr Olali also highlighted the new cancer centre established at PMGH with assistance from the Max Foundation, saying it would improve access to cancer testing and treatment for patients in the country.
RPNGC said it had supported the PNG Cancer Foundation and the PMGH Cancer Department over the past four years through its Pinktober awareness campaigns and fundraising activities, and reaffirmed its commitment to continuing the initiative in the years ahead.