THE Forest Research Institute (FRI) in Lae is capable of finding the cure for cancer and other major sicknesses affecting the country through its research studies, it was revealed.
Senior botanist Kipiro Damas in his brief presentation to Forests Minister and Namanatanai MP Walter D. Schnaubelt and the delegation who visited FRI recently, said the institution is capable of carrying out biomedical research.
He said they had the plants that they can research to find the cure for major illnesses affecting the lives of Papua New Guineans but they will need to be resourced effectively by the government.
“We have medicinal use for our plants and we need to start building our own capacity with fully functional laboratories,” Mr Damas said.
Mr Damas told Minister Schnaubelt that all the research data and findings of the institution were being stored overseas because FRI lacked the proper information and communication technology and laboratory services.
Minister Schnaubelt said it would be a record milestone when PNG through FRI discovers the cure for cancer.
“It’s always been my dream to find cure for major sicknesses like cancer and I urge FRI team to target and find a cure using plants and herbs in PNG forests.
“Let’s try and improve from where we are now. The support is there so tell us what you need and let’s work together to achieve.
“Cancer and other major diseases are killing a lot of Papua New Guineans, why don’t we explore those options and avenues?
“If we discover it and patent it, it becomes ours and so will the benefits.
“Let’s all work to go down this path.
FRI Director Goodwill Amos who was recently confirmed on the position he had been acting since earlier this year, said if PNG finds the cure to cancer or other diseases the income generated through this avenue would be enough to settle all the bills.
“We just need government’s support to undergo the research studies here in this institution,” Mr Amos said.
