Morobe Governor and Finschhafen MP Hon. Rainbo Paita has quietly committed K200,000 in support of the upcoming 60th Medical Symposium, which will be hosted by the Morobe Provincial Health Authority (Morobe PHA) in Lae.
As Patron of the event, Governor Paita has made the K200,000 available to the Morobe Provincial Health Authority to assist with the hosting and successful delivery of the national medical gathering.
The 60th Medical Symposium will be held from 30 August to 4 September 2026 at the PNG University of Technology in Lae, under the theme:
“Provincial Health Authorities Establishment Review: Past, Present and Future.”
The symposium is being hosted by Morobe PHA, with support from ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital and the PNG University of Technology, and will bring together health professionals and stakeholders to reflect on the development of Provincial Health Authorities and discuss the future strengthening of provincial health systems in Papua New Guinea.
Governor Paita said the support reflects his commitment to strengthening health services in Morobe and supporting opportunities that bring together medical professionals, researchers, administrators and health-sector partners.
«“As Patron of this important national event, I am pleased to quietly support the Morobe Provincial Health Authority with K200,000 towards hosting the 60th Medical Symposium here in Lae.”»
«“This is not simply about hosting an event. It is about creating a platform for our health professionals to share knowledge, examine the challenges facing our health system and identify practical ways forward.”»
The Governor said Morobe was honoured to host the 60th Medical Symposium and that the event would provide an important opportunity to showcase Lae and Morobe as a centre for professional, educational and health-sector engagement.
The symposium also comes at an important time for Morobe’s health sector, with the province continuing to strengthen the capacity and systems of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority and ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital.
The Morobe PHA has been actively preparing for the symposium, including community fundraising activities. In July, the Authority conducted a “Walk for Health, Walk for Life” fundraising event in Lae to support preparations for the symposium.
Governor Paita said the contribution was intended to complement the efforts of Morobe PHA, health workers, partners and the wider community.
“Our health workers carry an enormous responsibility every day. Supporting professional development and collaboration among them is ultimately an investment in the health and wellbeing of our people,” he said.
He thanked the Morobe PHA leadership, ANGAU Memorial Provincial Hospital, PNG University of Technology, the Medical Society of Papua New Guinea, development partners, private sector organisations and the many individuals supporting the event.
The Medical Society of Papua New Guinea has described the 2026 symposium as an opportunity to reflect on the journey of PHAs, assess current challenges and discuss future directions for strengthening provincial health systems across Papua New Guinea.
Governor Paita further encouraged health professionals and stakeholders from across the country to participate actively in the symposium and make the most of the opportunity to exchange knowledge and strengthen partnerships.
“Morobe welcomes the medical fraternity of Papua New Guinea. Let us use this symposium to learn from the past, understand where we are today and build a stronger health system for the future.”