Wednesday 21 August 2024
Prime Minister James Marape re-opening the Radiotherapy Treatment Facility at ANGAU Memorial Hospital in Lae. (photo credit: PM”s Media Unit).
ANGAU Memorial Hospital in Lae, Morobe Province celebrated a momentous occasion with the re-opening of its Radiotherapy Treatment Service under the National Cancer Services Unit.
Prime Minister James Marape officially opened the treatment facility on 16 August 2024,
In his opening address, Prime Minister emphasised the significance of the newly re-opened Cancer Unit, in providing critical care to cancer patients not only within Morobe Province but across the country.
“The re-opening of the Radiotherapy Treatment Service signifies a big step forward in the provision of advanced healthcare services to the people of Papua New Guinea, particularly those battling cancer.
“I want our ordinary people who have been diagnosed with cancer and heart diseases to be able to be treated here in PNG instead of struggling to get medical treatment overseas,” Mr Marape said.
Mr Marape said that for many patients in the region, the re-opened facility offers a renewed sense of hope and access to much-needed specialized treatment that was previously scarce.
He also highlighted the government’s commitment to ensuring that all citizens have access to quality healthcare services, particularly in the fight against cancer.
During his visit to ANGAU Memorial Hospital, Mr Marape acknowledged the collaborative efforts that made the re-opening of the Radiotherapy Treatment Service possible.
He expressed gratitude to the Morobe Provincial Health Authority and the Government of Australia for their dedication to improving healthcare services in the country.
Mr Marape extended his appreciation to Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited for its partnership and support in making this essential service a reality.
The re-opening of the Radiotherapy Treatment Service at ANGAU Memorial Hospital represents a monumental leap forward in the field of cancer treatment in PNG.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals, the facility is poised to make a big impact on the lives of those affected by cancer.
As the nation unites to combat cancer, the re-opening of this vital service under the National Cancer Services Unit marks a significant milestone towards a healthier and more resilient PNG.
According to the KPHL managing director, Mr Wapu Sonk, the radiotherapy treatment facility cost K20 million and took four years to build, commencing in 2019.