by Dr Dale Frank , a/Director Medical Services

The 44^th Papua New Guinea Annual Medical Symposium was held from the 1^st to 5^th September 2008 at the University of Vudal, Kokopo, East New Britain Province. The theme of the Symposium was Strategic Health Planning for the Future. The hospital was represented by the administrators (CEO, DMS, DCS) as well as some clinical staff.

The Symposium was officially opened by the Hon Sasa Zibe, National Minister of Health & HIV with welcome address by Sir Rabbie Namaliu, patron of the symposium, and a representative of the Hon Leo Dion, Governor of East New Britain Province. The keynote address was given by Dr Hendrik Bekedem, Regional Director Health Systems, Western Pacific Regional Office of the World Health Organisation on Health Systems and management issues in developing countries.

There were presentations on the issues facing health management in the provinces and the country over the last two decades. The national minister for health made an appeal for improved health services for the rural majority of PNG with a special mention of the very high maternal and infant mortality rates in PNG. The maternal mortality rates for PNG are the second highest in the world with about 730 deaths per 100,000 live births. The last two days of the symposium were specialty symposiums. This is where specialty groups met to discuss issues affecting their societies as well as reviewing their programs.

The symposium was enjoyed by all with local traditional entertainment and visits to the volcanoe covered town of Rabaul and the Nonga Base Hospital which is closed due to heavy ash fall from the volcanoe.

Photograph of the volcanoe and ash covered town of Rabaul September 2008

(Photo courtesy of Dr Paul Wari – Goroka General Hospital)