A delegation from the Pacific Global Health based in Australia including the members of the Australian National Parliament are now in Goroka, the capital of Eastern Highland Province visiting the health facilities.
Their visit was in relation to the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit recently to strengthen ties between the two countries.
Their visit was purposely on the fact finding mission to research or identify what type of development challenges PNG is faced with, so that they report back to their country for donor funding as well as working with PNG government to address it.
The delegation were given a rousing traditional welcome upon arrival and received by the Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia and the Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Dr Joseph Apa with his staff.
Spokes-person of the delegation and the Australian shadow minister for foreign affairs Simon Birmingham revealed that this is a rare visit to work closely with Papua New Guinean in the areas of challenges in health sector.
“Australia and PNG friendship or relationship has a long standing and that is why we are here to assess and work collaboratively with PNG Government to create a conducive environment for PNG citizens” Birmingham said.
“PNG is our important trade business partner and we are looking at how we can be able to assist in whatever way is necessary” he added.
Australian shadow Minister for Health Anne Ruston also stressed that PNG is a very important neighbor country that they are looking at to work closely with in the sectors of health, agriculture, trade, business, and national security.
They were visiting Goroka base hospital yesterday and will continue to visit Daulo district hospital today to end their two day tour.
CEO for Eastern Highlands Provincial Hospital Dr Joseph Apa was impressed with the visit and thanked Australian government for their consistent support in the health sector.
