Top Hospitals in Papua New Guinea by Specialty
Summary: If you're moving to Papua New Guinea or recently arrived, it's important to know about the country's top hospitals for specific medical conditions. Here's a primer.
Papua New Guinea (PNG) offers a range of healthcare facilities, though the standard of medical care may not be on par with what expatriates from developed countries are accustomed to. The country has both public and private hospitals, with the majority being public. Public hospitals often face challenges such as limited resources, staffing shortages, and outdated equipment. Private hospitals and clinics, while generally offering a higher standard of care, are few and can be expensive. For specialized medical conditions and surgeries, the options within PNG are limited, and expatriates often choose to travel to Australia, Singapore, or their home countries for complex medical treatments. However, there are some hospitals in PNG that are recognized for their efforts in specific areas of healthcare.
Top Hospitals in Papua New Guinea for Heart Surgery and Chronic Heart Conditions
For heart surgery and chronic heart conditions, the Pacific International Hospital (PIH) in Port Moresby is known to provide a range of cardiac services. PIH is a private hospital that offers some of the most advanced medical care in the country, including cardiology. However, for complex heart surgeries, patients may still be referred overseas due to the limited facilities and specialists available in PNG.
Best Hospitals for Cancer Care in Papua New Guinea
Cancer care in PNG is still developing, with limited options for comprehensive treatment. The Port Moresby General Hospital, the largest public hospital in the country, has an oncology department that provides some cancer treatment services. However, due to the lack of specialized equipment like radiation therapy, patients with certain types of cancer may need to seek treatment abroad.
Leading Hospitals with Neonatal Intensive Care Units
The Port Moresby General Hospital also houses one of the few neonatal intensive care units in the country, offering care for premature and critically ill newborns. While the NICU is operational, the level of care may not meet international standards, and resources can be stretched.
Top Hospitals in Papua New Guinea for Diabetes
Diabetes care is available at major hospitals, including the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Lae International Hospital in Lae. These facilities provide diabetes management and treatment programs, although access to specialized endocrinologists may be limited.
Best Hospitals for Kidney Treatment and Care
For kidney treatment and care, including dialysis, the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Pacific International Hospital are the primary providers. They offer hemodialysis services, but the availability of these services can be limited, and patients often face long waiting times.
Top Hospitals in Papua New Guinea for Neurology
Neurological services are scarce in PNG, with only a few hospitals like the Port Moresby General Hospital having the capacity to handle neurological cases. For specialized neurology services, including treatment for conditions like epilepsy or Parkinson's disease, options are very limited within the country.
Best Hospitals for Stroke Treatment
Stroke treatment is available at the Port Moresby General Hospital, which has a dedicated stroke unit. However, the level of care and rehabilitation services may not be as comprehensive as in more developed healthcare systems.
Top Hospitals in Papua New Guinea for Orthopedic Surgery
Orthopedic surgeries are performed at both the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Pacific International Hospital. These hospitals have orthopedic specialists, but for complex surgeries or those requiring advanced prosthetics, patients may need to seek care overseas.
Best Hospitals for Pediatric Care
Pediatric care is provided at most general hospitals, with the Port Moresby General Hospital having a dedicated pediatric ward. The hospital deals with a range of childhood illnesses and conditions, but specialized pediatric care, especially for rare or complex conditions, may be limited.
Expatriates living in Papua New Guinea should be aware that while there are hospitals that can provide basic and emergency care, the country's healthcare system may not be equipped to handle all medical conditions, especially those requiring specialized treatment. It is advisable for expatriates to have comprehensive health insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage in case they need to be transported to another country for treatment. Additionally, keeping up-to-date with routine vaccinations and taking preventive health measures is crucial due to the prevalence of tropical diseases in the region.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Papua New Guinea Guide
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Papua New Guinea
- Members Talk about Healthcare & Health Insurance in Papua New Guinea
- Best Places to Live in Papua New Guinea
- Guide to Real Estate in Papua New Guinea
- Pros & Cons of Living in Papua New Guinea
- Cost of Living in Papua New Guinea
- Pros and Cons of Living in Papua New Guinea 2024