Gov’t providing further funding to build new cancer treatment facilities

By Martha Louis – EMTV News, Lae

The government has given K20 million to Port Moresby General Hospital, while K11 million was given to Lae’s Angau Hospital to build new cancer treatment facilities.

National Planning Minister, Richard Maru, says the money is to help hospitals position themselves to buy all the equipment they need, and to build new treatment facilities.

He said the first hurdle of getting the legislation passed by parliament, has already happened. The next step now, is to get the equipment and building in place.

Maru says the government is committed to the construction of the buildings and is calling on the Boards of both hospitals to start work, as funding has already been provided.

He said both hospitals should start ordering the equipment and start work on the actual Cancer Treatment Centre without further delay.

The PNG Cancer Facility in Lae’s Angau hospital is the only one provided in the country to help cancer patients. However, many Papua New Guineans seeking cancer treatment at Lae’s Angau hospital will still face difficulties.

The unit is still without a radiation oncologist, while it also needs to replace the Cobalt machine in order for patients to undergo radiotherapy treatment.

The Parliament passed the Radiation and Safety Control Bill to allow for the replacement of the machine.

But, the question now is when and how soon will the government work towards bringing in the new machines.