Surgical team in preparation for a procedure during the mission recently.
The Sepik Development Project, through Frieda River Limited, has recently supported a paediatric surgical outreach mission to Wewak, East Sepik Province, delivering long awaited specialist care to children who have been unable to access these services for years.
The specialist team, based at Port Moresby General Hospital, was led by paediatric surgeon Dr Jack Mulu and included Dr Joel Silari, Dr James Apamumu, Dr Janice Buleka and theatre nurse Sr Emelda Andale. The team travelled to Wewak last month for a weeklong mission commencing on 23 March and concluding on 28 March, spending five intensive days delivering clinical consultations and surgical care.
“It is sad to see that most hospitals are not able to meet the cost of these individuals who require specialist surgical service. The reason being budgetary constraints. Without the support of the corporate organisation, it is challenging to meet the demands of those who require these essential life changing services,” Dr Mulu said.
During the mission, a total of 33 paediatric patients were assessed. Fourteen children required surgical intervention, with the team performing 21 procedures in total, four minor procedures and 17 major surgeries reflecting the complexity of many cases. Due to high demand, the seriousness of conditions and limited time, the team worked extended hours, beginning as early as 7.00 am and finishing as late as 11.00 pm on some days.
Many children in East Sepik Province face significant challenges accessing specialist paediatric services in Port Moresby due to distance, cost and logistical constraints. As a result, some patients have waited for several years for treatment. One such case was Danisha Daniel from the Wosera area, who had been waiting six years to receive specialist paediatric surgical care.
Frieda River Limited became involved after being approached in December last year by Boram hospital’s Senior Surgeon, Dr Eri Ebos, who requested support to assist with travel and accommodation costs for the visiting specialist team. Dr Ebos highlighted long waiting times for paediatric patients in the province and the urgent need to deliver the clinical program locally to reach children who would otherwise remain untreated.
“We recognise that improving health outcomes requires strong partnerships and practical support on the ground,” Country Manager Joel Hamago said. “Through interventions from the private sector such as what we are doing now to the people of Sepik, can close critical service gaps and ensure children in remote communities can access the specialised care they deserve.”
The successful completion of the mission demonstrates the importance of collaborative efforts between medical professionals, provincial health services and corporate partners in improving access to specialised healthcare for children in remote and underserved communities.
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