Since the departure of senior oncologist, Dr John Nibblet, Papua New Guinea’s ability to deal with cancers had greatly diminished.
The ratio of oncologists to cancer patients in Papua New Guinea doesn’t look promising as the country is faced with many challenges with human resources and funding capacity, to meet the National Health Service Standards, minimum requirements.
Deputy Health Secretary, Doctor Paison Dakulala told EMTV News that it’s a costly exercise to recruit doctors from overseas. However they have no choice, because treatment must be administered.
In Papua New Guinea, there is a critical shortage of medical specialists. Those currently in the system face many challenges and doctors produced cannot adequately maintain the National Health Service Standards.
One type of specialist required oncologists- cancer specialist doctors.
“There is less than 15 000 personnel, employed in the health sector to deliver health services which is less than the required of 60,000.”
“That in itself puts our country in a challenge in the workforce issue. When we come to looking at a more specialised higher type expertise that’s even more critical for us,” Dr Dakulala said.
The cancer unit in Lae’s Angau Memorial Hospital currently administers treatment.
“For PNG, we do not have any national, radiation oncologist. It’s not easy to train this particular specialist.”
The National Health Department is working tirelessly to ensure specialists are available, to provide medical care and support to cancer patients in the country.
While Papua New Guinea enjoys this service, investment in training of national doctors must also be given a top priority.
“We are working towards having our own radiation oncologists, but this hasn’t happened yet. Let along having specialist from outside to help us, run our radiation oncology unit.”
However, Dr Dakulala says the capacity can be increased if there is adequate funding support from the national government.
And with PNG now being member of the International Atomic Energy Commission, the desire is to provide opportunities for national doctors. To be trained as radiation-oncologists.
“As we open up, we now have a cancer policy and a plan that has training as part of its focus or strategy. That will open up for us to continue training of our specialist in this oncology area.”
Institutions like the University of Technology have been partners in training radiation therapist technicians.
“We train what we need, and then train more when there is a demand,” he said.
The capacity and strength in dealing with advanced cancers is limited, and therefore the message of hope is prevention.
“Prevention is better than cure. What’s being done in terms of increasing awareness and education throughout the community, rural settings and that country is very important,” Dr Dakulala said.
