5 days Ago By Post-Courier
ANGAU Memorial General Hospital in Lae, Morobe Province, is set to become Papua New Guinea’s national centre for specialised medical care. Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chief Executive Officer Dr Kipas Binga said the hospital will provide advanced care for cancer, heart, and kidney patients. He said this will be done through strong partnerships, better funding, and more training for staff.
“Our goal is to provide specialised care in areas that are badly needed. This vision is big, but we can achieve it,” he said. A major step forward is the launching of radiation therapy services at Angau — the first in PNG.
Dr Binga said the delay was due to safety standards, not lack of funds. The hospital is also working to improve lab services. The PHA is now trying to hire a national pathologist and more lab staff.
Dr Binga thanked the Australian government for keeping its funding promise under a health partnership. He said K15 million from the PNG government has not yet been fully released. “We are working with our national partners to make sure the money comes through on time,” he said.
Morobe PHA hopes to raise Angau to a Level 6 hospital, the same level as Port Moresby General Hospital. “Our mission is to give every citizen quality healthcare,” Dr Binga said. The redevelopment of Angau Hospital started under an agreement between PNG and Australia.
Australia promised up to A$420m. Both countries agreed to share the building costs. Australia also helped fund hospital management.
A master plan for the upgrade was made in 2015. It included new buildings, better medical equipment, and upgrades to the Lae School of Nursing. A family support centre was also added.
In 2016, both governments agreed to start the project in phases. Australia began work while PNG looked for its share of the funds. Health Minister Elias Kapavore said the PNG-Australia health partnership is improving services across the country.
In 2024, PNG’s Health Department renewed its agreement with YWAM Medical Ships. YWAM has provided more than two million health visits since 2010, especially in remote areas..
