Specialist surgeons en route to East Sepik

A FIVE-person medical team comprising experienced surgeons, nurses and an anesthetist will provide consultations and do a variety of essential procedures in East Sepik.
It was a PanAust-sponsored medical team arranged by Interplast Australia.
These medicos would perform up to 40 specialist and reconstructive surgeries.
The visit aimed to provide life-changing surgeries at no cost to disadvantaged communities and was part of PanAust subsidiary, Frieda River Limited’s ongoing commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes in landowner communities.
Frieda River project director Phil McCormack said the surgeries offered hope and healing to those who needed them most.
“We know how difficult it is for remote communities to access specialist healthcare and I’ve witnessed first-hand how transformative the surgeries can be for patients and their families,” he said.
McCormack said the operations were critical for enhancing the quality of life and restoring functionality for individuals who have limited or no access to surgical care.
“This time, the visit will include a number of patients who were treated by Interplast in 2017 being supported to travel from West Sepik to Wewak for follow-up and additional surgery if required.”
The medical team will work alongside local medical and nursing personnel at Wewak’s Great Chief Somare Memorial Hospital to deliver between 30 and 40 plastic and reconstructive surgeries including cleft lip and palate repairs, surgery to reconstruct injuries from burns, and surgery for other congenital and acquired conditions.
“It’s a powerful reminder of how we can deliver immediate change in a way that benefits local communities and provincial governments,” he said.
McCormack added that PanAust and Frieda River Ltd were proud to offer these surgeries to the people of PNG and to continue a long-standing partnership with Interplast.
This visit, scheduled to last for a week, is a collaborative effort with local hospitals, healthcare providers and provincial governments.
In addition, McCormack said the Interplast’s team would engage in knowledge exchange and training sessions with local medical staff.