Papua New Guinea can now have specialized cancer specialist after Training Institute for Allied Health was officially opened by Secretary for Health Mr. Pascoe Kase in Port Moresby earlier this week.

The institute was established through a partnership between Flowtint Group and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) to support specialised training for the hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre and strengthen the country’s cancer workforce.

Mr. Kase applauded the partnership and acknowledged the high standard of the facility, noting that the Health Department would ensure all required regulatory and compliance processes were met.

Flowtint Group Managing Director Dr. Carl Adams said the institute would support the delivery of world-class cancer services through advanced technology and specialised workforce training.

PMGH Chief Executive Officer Dr. Paki Molumi congratulated the first group of participants, the hospital’s Radiation Oncology team, who commenced training in the ARIA Oncology Information System ahead of the institute’s official opening.

Dr. Molumi said PMGH had invested in training medical physicists, radiation therapists, nurses and other specialists through international institutions and partnerships. The institute would also support specialised clinical oncology, pediatric oncology, medical physics and oncology nursing training.

He said the facility would help build local expertise, improve access to cancer treatment, reduce the need for Papua New Guineans to seek treatment overseas and potentially support medical tourism from Pacific Island countries.

Dr. Molumi thanked the Government for its investment and Flowtint Group for its continued partnership in delivering the country’s Comprehensive Cancer Centre and developing the workforce needed to operate it.