The Medical Society of PNG is hosting the 53rd Medical Symposium at the Stanley Hotel, here in the Nation’s Capital.
The theme for this year’s symposium is “Access to Safe Surgery and Safe Anaethesia”.
The aim of this year’s theme is focused on drafting a National Surgical and Anaesthetic policy at the end of the symposium.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill delivered the opening speech, where he highlighted that the Health Sector was priority area for the O’Neill-Abel Government.
“We have made a serious commitment to better healthcare outcomes, building on what we delivered in the First Alotau Accord.”
The Prime Minister pointed out that his government is committed to:
- rehabilitating all provincial hospitals;
- expanding community health posts and redevelop district hospitals;
- increasing focus on TB, HIV/AIDs and Cancer;
- increasing health care training, particularly for rural and remote areas;
- constructing a standalone medical university;
- dealing with supply chain issues with the distribution of medicine; and
- improving data collection – PNG’s health indicators.
Prime Minister O’Neill went on to encourage all health care stakeholders to work hand in hand with the government to better health care provision for Papua New Guinean’s.
“Healthcare providers and healthcare professionals need to work together, with Government, for the benefit of our people”.
In closing, he acknowledged the newly appointed, Minister for Health, Sir Puka Temu and congratulated the Medical Society of PNG for their work in serving the people of PNG.
The symposium will run from September 3-8.
