2024-11-4

Since 2005, Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) has been implementing the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s South Pacific Medical Cooperation Program, fostering partnerships with hospitals across Papua New Guinea, including Weawak, Angau, Nonga, and Port Moresby. This year, CCH expanded to Madang Province, establishing a partnership with Modilon General Hospital (Madang Provincial Health Authority, MPHA) and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This partnership will focus on training medical staff to strengthen their professional healthcare capabilities.

On October 20, 2024, a six-member CCH volunteer medical team, led by Dr. Nina, CEO of the Overseas Medical Mission Center (OMMC), embarked on a five-day medical service at MPHA. The team included Orthopedist Dr. Leo, Pediatrician Dr. Jeffrey, Otolaryngologist Dr. Jerry, Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Jimmy, and Project Manager Jade from OMMC. The activities included case consultations, ward rounds, and collaborative discussions with local doctors to identify optimal patient treatments. Dr. Leo and Dr. Kune, the Orthopedist from MPHA, jointly performed surgeries for fracture reductions, while Dr. Jerry conducted a lip cancer surgery. Dr. Jeffrey also shared a talk about Airway Anomaly Associated with a Prolonged Pneumonia Course and suggested diagnosing complex respiratory cases in limited-resource settings. Through collaborative exchanges, both teams shared skills and insights, better understanding each other’s needs.

During their stay, the CCH team met with Dr. Harry Aigeeleng, Faculty Dean, and Prof.  Jerzy Kuzma, Head of Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences of Divine Word University, exploring potential exchanges of faculties and students. The university expressed interest in formalizing a partnership with CCH through a new MoU.

Earlier this year, CCH donated a 40-foot container of medical supplies to MPHA, containing essential equipment such as nursing carts, medicine trolleys, bed tables, IV stands, and more. The recent visit confirmed that these donations have been well-utilized, especially bedside cabinets and nursing carts, which received positive feedback from patients and staff alike.

This inaugural visit to MPHA has yielded solid and productive connections, warmly welcomed by the MPHA. Looking ahead, CCH aims to continue collaborating with MPHA, focusing on training local medical professionals, for the Executive MPHA Managers have been invited to visit Taiwan to join the Healthcare Expo Taiwan to explore advancements in healthcare technology and management, paving the way for future improvements in PNG’s healthcare landscape.

Article courtesy of Overseas Medical Mission Center, CCH