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Reimagining Healthcare in Papua New Guinea: Leveraging Modern Tools for Enhanced Medical Practice
In Papua New Guinea, the challenges in healthcare delivery are numerous, characterized by limited resources and a low doctor-to-patient ratio. Traditional medical practice in such settings is often constrained, making it difficult to reach and effectively treat the widespread population. However, embracing the concepts of leverage as described by Naval Ravikant—labor, capital, code, and media—presents…
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The 58th Medical Society of Papua New Guinea Symposium
The Papua New Guinea Medical Symposium is held every year to bring together local and international researchers and medical practioners to address national health issues. This year the symposium will be hosted by the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority in Mt Hagen. The theme of this year’s symposium is “Burden of Trauma and its impact…
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Antimicrobial resistance; what is antimicrobial resistance? (part 2)
What are antimicrobials? These drugs include antibiotics for bacteria, antivirals for viruses, antifungals for fungi, and antiparasitics for parasites – are medicines used to prevent and treat infectious diseases in humans, animals and plants. (1) The most common antimicrobials in use in our public hospitals are antibiotics which include: Amoxicillin, Penicillin, Chloramphenicol, septrin, ceftriaxone, Flucloxacillin,…
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Navigating the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) at Port Moresby General Hospital’s Children’s Emergency Department
Navigating the Interagency Integrated Triage Tool (IITT) at Port Moresby General Hospital’s Children’s Emergency Department (CED) involves an understanding of its origins, patient flow management, and the triage process. Since its introduction at the CED in December 2023, the IITT has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency of emergency care at Port Moresby General Hospital,…
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The Provincial Health Authority System in Papua New Guinea.
The Provincial Health Authority (PHA) system in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was established to decentralize the management and delivery of healthcare services, devolving authority and responsibility from the national government to provincial and district levels. Here’s an overview of the PHA system: Overall, the Provincial Health Authority system in Papua New Guinea represents a significant…
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The past, present and future of healthcare in Papua New Guinea
The history of healthcare in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is characterized by a blend of traditional healing practices and the introduction of Western medicine during colonial and post-colonial periods. Here’s a summary of health care in past PNG; PNG continues to face significant challenges in its healthcare system, though efforts are underway to improve access…
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The Papua New Guinean Patient
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), accessing health services can vary greatly depending on factors like location, socioeconomic status, and cultural beliefs. However, there are some general characteristics that may describe a typical Papua New Guinean seeking health services: Overall, a typical Papua New Guinean seeking health services is likely to face a complex array of…
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Poems of a PNG health worker
Introduction There are many acts of compassion and connection that can explore the intricacies of kindness, respect and trust. However, we do not talk enough on the challenges faced by health workers in poverty and crime stricken areas of the world. Like patients, doctors, nurses and health givers in general need compassion and connection. This…
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Antimicrobial resistance; a silent killer in PNG (part 1)
Imagine going to the hospital with what you think is just a simple stomach ache. It could be something you ate a few days ago or you didn’t wash your hands before or after you ate something or you just returned from a foreign country and must have contracted a bug. After a few visits…
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Blood transfusions; why we need to donate. (part 1)
Patient 1 It’s a quiet, slow Sunday evening at Alotau Provincial Hospital (APH) emergency department. Only a few staff working. Suddenly the ambulance arrives and stretchers in a young male in his teens. He was climbing a bread fruit tree when he slipped and fell from a height of almost 10 meters that same morning.…
