Port Moresby General Hospital’s Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Department is collaborating with a visiting Australian Head and Neck Surgery team to perform complex procedures and deliver advanced training this week.
Chief ENT Surgeon Dr. James Naipao said the partnership is vital for strengthening local expertise: “This collaboration supports the training of our doctors and nurses, enhances patient care, and builds lasting healthcare partnerships.”
Selected patients are undergoing joint reviews, with surgeries scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, junior doctors will receive hands-on training in surgical techniques, while nurses will participate in specialized workshops to improve patient care.
The visiting team, led by Professors Christopher Perry and Roger Grigg, includes surgeons Dr. Campell Schmidt and Dr. Robert Calvisi, and theatre nurses Kristen Ballin and Jess Urguhart. They are introducing advanced approaches to managing cancers and traumatic injuries.
PMGH CEO Dr. Paki Molumi expressed gratitude:
“We are deeply grateful to the visiting team. Their contribution in performing complex surgeries and delivering training will have a lasting impact on our healthcare services.”
The team departs Friday after a week of collaborative clinical work and training, reinforcing the strong partnership between Papua New Guinea and Australia in advancing healthcare services.