A construction and design feasibility study for a state of the art specialist centre dedicated for eye care in Port Moresby will be carried out soon by The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ.
This emanates from a signing agreement between the governments of Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
In a media release, Minister for Health and HIV/AIDs, Jelta Wong who attended the virtual signing ceremony held on March 17 said both governments have commissioned The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ to carry out the feasibility study in the development of a dedicated Centre of Excellence for Ophthalmology in Papua New Guinea.
It is anticipated that the study is completed before this year ends.
Minister Wong said the goal of the PNG government, through the key partners of Health, is to offer PNG people a Centre of Excellence for Eye Care in Port Moresby.
“I am confident our partnership will build on the successful training approach The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, with support from the New Zealand government, has successfully implemented over the last two decades to support PNG and other Pacific governments to deliver sustainable eye care services for our people,” he said.
Acting Divisional Manager New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Anton Ojala, said: “The signing is the continuation of the long-standing partnership between New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. The feasibility study is the first step towards the construction of a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology, and improved eye care for Papua New Guineans.”
The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ, Deputy Chair, Sir Maarten Wevers, who attended the signing ceremony said, “The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is delighted to partner with the NZ and PNG governments to assist with the planning for the Papua New Guinea Centre of Excellence in Ophthalmology.
Sir Maarten said the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ is committed to working very closely with all interested parties to investigate the project, and if the feasibility study is positive and all necessary funding is secured, to delivering the project as effectively as they can.
A purpose-built Centre will provide a state-of-the-art facility where eye care specialists can train in ophthalmology. It will provide facilities for clinical training and teaching, as well as space for surgical consultations and procedures, including refraction and diabetic retinopathy services. The Centre of Excellence will work closely with Provincial Health Authorities across the country to strengthen eye care services nationwide.
