Paediatric Surgical Outreach to Papua New Guinea: Initial Experience

Abstract

This is a report of our early experience in establishing a Paediatric surgical outreach program to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to build capacity and improve care. A Paediatric surgical outreach mission was initiated about 4 years ago in collaboration with Singhealth and PNG along with the multidisciplinary team of health care professionals from Cardiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Orthopaedics, Urology, Plastics and Anaesthesia. On each mission trip of 4 - 7 days duration, Singhealth doctors supervise or perform surgeries for complex cases, conduct patient consultations and give lectures to impart knowledge and transfer skills to the local health care community in PNG. In addition, a 6 - 12 months training program in Singapore for PNG doctors has been started. For complex cases which cannot be managed in PNG, there is provision for transfer of patients to Singapore under KKROK fund for further treatment. So far 4 mission trips have been conducted in past 4 years for paediatric surgical unit in Port Moresby General Hospital of PNG focussing on teaching and training of local Paediatric surgeons. Based on evaluation of the Singhealth medical team, there is severe shortage of medical manpower, surgical skill and specialised expertise. Due to lack of intensive care facility, adequate medications and proper medical equipment in the hospital, there are many conditions being left untreated causing high morbidity and mortality among infants and neonates. Such humanitarian work inspires Singhealth towards its global health mission of promoting health equity in responding to the medical needs of PNG through training and leveraging on strength through partnership. In addition, our doctors gain invaluable learning from the exposure, hone their skill as they treat a diversity of cases and are innovative in their treatment options by working in an environment with limited resources.