The PNG Chamber of Resources and Energy (PNG CORE) has donated K300,000 worth of essential medical equipment to Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital over the weekend, furthering its commitment to healthcare support across PNG.
The equipment was presented recently by PNG CORE President Anthony Smare and Senior President Richard Kassman.
The PNG CORE Charity Golf Challenge began in 2023 and is held annually in Sydney. This has become a cornerstone fundraising event, bringing together the extractive industry and corporate partners in a shared commitment to give back to communities. Over the 2023 and 2024 events, a total of K300,000 was raised. Of that, more than K280,000 was used to purchase life-saving medical equipment for the Labour Ward and Paediatric Unit at Mt Hagen Hospital, delivering critical support to patients in need.
The handover ceremony was attended by Acting CEO Jane Holden, Hospital Manager Sr. Serah Dot, Paediatrician Dr. Ian Kintwa, Paediatric Unit Supervisor Sr. Joan Okk, Western Highlands Provincial Governor Hon. Wai Rapa, and dedicated clinicians from the Children’s Outpatient Department (COPD) and the Paediatric Unit.
The medical equipment includes: x1 Portable Ultrasound with Echo – Siemens P500, x1 Siltex Pratika S20 Benchtop Steriliser (20L capacity), x1 Alaris Nexus GP Infusion Pump, x1 Vital Signs Monitor with Mobile Stand, x1 Suction Machine, x1 Nebulizer Machine, x1 Oxygen Concentrator and x1 Phototherapy Light (kindly donated by City Pharmacy Ltd)
Each of these items is a lifeline that will significantly impact the quality and reach of care in essential areas such as maternal health, emergency response, respiratory care, and neonatal treatment.
While PNG CORE is known for its substantial investments in various hospital projects since the COVID-19 pandemic, this donation marks a new focus, specifically aimed at supporting Mt. Hagen Hospital.
Mr. Smare emphasized the importance of the Western Highlands, which often does not receive the attention it deserves. “We are trying to bring attention and more support to the province,” he said.
“We know what we provide here will be used wisely to support the children. This is the first donation, but it opens the door to future assistance and fosters a relationship similar to what we have established with other hospitals in the country, and we are eager to support any large plans or visions you may have.”
Acting Chief Executive Officer of the WHPHA, Jane Holden, acknowledged the partnership and described the donation as a timely gift from the extractive industry. She commended the philanthropic spirit of PNG CORE’s staff and executives, saying. “This donation aligns with our core mission and the vision of saving lives”.
Ms. Holden praised the industry for its compassion and the wise decision to focus the donation on the Labour and Paediatric Ward.
Governor Wai Rapa expressed his sincere gratitude to PNG CORE and its leadership for their generous contribution to Mt. Hagen Hospital. He further commended the dedication and professionalism of WHPHA, acknowledging their ongoing efforts to serve the people in the province. While recognizing that public criticism towards the hospital is common, he reaffirmed his confidence in the hospital’s management, stating, “WHPHA stands out as one of the most performing and organized PHAs in the country.”
In conclusion, he reiterated his thanks to PNG CORE for acknowledging the hospital’s performance and for investing in a healthcare system that is making a tangible difference in the lives of many.