Strengthening paediatric surgical care through collaboration

Reflecting on the three-part program, Professor Dewan described the experience in one word: “WOW.”

Professor Paddy Dewan’s second visit to Papua New Guinea, through Paradise Private Hospital, has resulted in 14 paediatric surgical cases completed across three locations.

The program brought together Paradise Private Hospital (PPH), Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGEN), and Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA), with: 4 operations at PPH, 4 in Western Highlands General Hospital and 6 at Port Moresby General Hospital.

Professor Dewan spoke about a vision he has held for more than two decades — seeing specialist programs led by Papua New Guinean specialists. “It will give them the ability and respect. My role is to support the experts, not to replace the experts.”

He said the long-term goal is to build local expertise so that international specialists can focus on supporting and mentoring PNG clinicians, particularly in complex cases.

General Surgeon & Pediatrict Surgeon, Dr. Kennedy James said the program grew from a desire to improve access to specialist care for patients travelling from other provinces.

He said there was a need to develop stronger collaboration help the children with complex cases. He acknowledged the support of PPH Owners Dr Robin Sios and Mrs Janet Sios, as well as the teams involved in bringing the program to what it is.

“The broader vision is to improve access to specialist care for children in rural and regional areas who may otherwise have limited access to these services,” he added.

Following the successful collaboration in Port Moresby and Mt Hagen, other PHA’s have also expressed interest which will be the focus moving forward.

Mrs Janet Sios said PPH is pleased to see the program grow and thanked the teams involved, including POMGEN, for their collaboration.

She said the partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when health organisations work together towards a shared goal of improving care for children in PNG.

POMGEN Director Medical Services, Dr. Kone Sobi, said “This year is the year of reset. We need to come together now and reset for a better future for children who require specialist care.”

From Port Moresby to Mt Hagen and beyond, the program reflects a shared commitment: bringing specialist paediatric surgical care closer to children who need it, while strengthening the skills and confidence of PNG’s health professionals.