PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy Executive Director Richard Kassman (left) addressing Modilon General Hospital staff in Madang on Monday, November 10, during the handover of life-saving paediatric medical equipment. Supplied picture
Children and infants across Madang Province will receive improved life-saving medical care following the official handover of critical paediatric and neonatal equipment to Modilon General Hospital on Monday, November 10.
The equipment was funded through the PNG Chamber of Resources & Energy (PNGCORE) Charity Golf Challenge Program.
Using approximately PGK316,000 in net proceeds from the 2025 Charity Golf Challenge, specialised respiratory, neonatal and paediatric equipment was purchased to strengthen emergency response and improve treatment outcomes for critically ill young patients.
Speaking at the handover, PNGCORE Executive Director Richard Kassman OBE paid tribute to the hospital’s medical workforce, emphasising that medical equipment is only as effective as the people who use it.
“While we are pleased to help provide these medical tools, the real heroes are the doctors, nurses and health workers at Modilon General Hospital who show up every day with unwavering dedication to save lives,” said Mr Kassman.
“Their commitment to caring for Madang’s children under challenging circumstances is truly inspiring. Our role is simply to stand behind them and ensure they have the resources they need to do what they do best.”
Mr Kassman also highlighted how a strong and active resources and energy sector directly contributes to greater economic and social support for local communities.
“A vibrant and thriving industry is what makes initiatives like this possible,” Mr Kassman said.
“When our resources and energy sector is strong and growing, it generates the economic momentum and capacity for businesses to contribute more to the national economy, expand corporate social responsibility programs and deliver meaningful community development.
“Simply put, a successful industry enables us to give back more by supporting vital public services like healthcare and standing alongside the people who serve our communities.”
Thanking the 33 corporate sponsors and community partners whose support made the donation possible, Mr Kassman added:
“We are deeply grateful to our sponsors across the resources, energy, financial and business sectors whose generosity has helped support these frontline teams.
“When industry and community partners unite, we can help lighten the load for our healthcare workers and give young patients the best possible chance at recovery.”
The Charity Golf Challenge’s expansion was made possible through the support of 33 organisations across the resources, energy, professional services, financial services, insurance and community sectors. Major contributors included K92 Mining Limited, Sun Engineering, McMonagle Qld and Santos Limited.
Modilon General Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dr Martin Daimen welcomed the new diagnostic and respiratory equipment, noting that it would immediately strengthen the clinical team’s emergency response, neonatal resuscitation and daily care services across Madang Province.
“On behalf of our doctors, nurses, clinical teams and the families we serve, I extend our sincere gratitude to every organisation that contributed to this initiative,” said Dr Daimen.
“These resources will directly support our staff as they respond to medical emergencies, perform neonatal resuscitation and manage respiratory distress among our most vulnerable patients.
“The impact of this support will be felt by families across Madang Province for years to come.”
The first batch of equipment includes advanced respiratory support systems, such as Fisher & Paykel Bubble CPAP machines and Airvo™ 3 Humidified High Flow devices for infants experiencing respiratory distress.
Other equipment includes nebulisers, clinical thermometers, nursing stethoscopes, manual and digital paediatric blood pressure cuffs, and other diagnostic tools. The remaining items are expected to arrive in the coming weeks.
This contribution marks the second major provincial healthcare project delivered through the Charity Golf Challenge.
Following the Port Moresby tournament on July 17, 2026, the next Charity Golf Challenge is scheduled for November 27, 2026, during PNG Investment Week in Sydney, Australia.
Funds raised will be set aside to support a third provincial hospital in 2027.
