The absence of a specialist cancer treatment centre in the country equipped with proper tools, equipment and manpower to treat cancer patients is a major concern for the Health Department.

And senior health officials are now holding regional cancer outreach meetings with doctors and health administrators from each region in a bid to gather as much information as possible to put together a national cancer program to address this issue.

Mt Hagen Hospital now has one of the best Emergency Departments in the country to serve its patients.

The newly-refurbished facility is fully equipped and adequately staffed with two specialist physicians, five medical officers, six health extension officers (HEOs), 26 nurses and five hygiene staff to provide the best service for its patients.

Mt Hagen Hospital now has one of the best Emergency Departments in the country to serve its patients.

The newly-refurbished facility is fully equipped and adequately staffed with two specialist physicians, five medical officers, six health extension officers (HEOs), 26 nurses and five hygiene staff to provide the best service for its patients.

Expectant mothers admitted to the Labour Ward of Mt Hagen Hospital will now be using new and more comfortable beds to deliver.

The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) has purchased eight new electronically-operated delivery beds for the labour ward, aimed at helping expectant mothers to make themselves comfortable while preparing to deliver.

Papua New Guinea will soon have trained pharmacy assistants working in rural health facilities throughout the country to help provide pharmaceutical services in rural areas.

More than 75 students from five nominated Provincial Health Authorities in the country have begun an 18-month Certificate in Basic Pharmacy Management (CBPM) training program, developed to address the pharmaceutical needs of rural health facilities.

A recent call by the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority for volunteers to donate blood to treat patients has received overwhelming support from the public.