The University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences has received an upgraded dental clinic funded through the Papua New Guinea-Australia Partnership.
The new dental clinic houses eight dental surgeries, refurbished specialist x-ray and orthopantomogram (OPG) and sterilization rooms. The upgrade also included the replacement of obsolete equipment and structures, as well as refurbishment of electrical, mechanical and hydraulic services to strengthen dental care training for the university students.
The upgrade will also provide improved dental services to people in the National Capital District and other provinces, who rely on its affordable dental checks and treatments.
This project is part of a package of assistance to the University through the Joint Understanding between the Governments of Papua New Guinea and Australia for further cooperation in the education sector.
Australian High Commission Minister-Counsellor Benedict David said: “Providing a conducive environment for better service delivery in Papua New Guinea is a shared goal of the Papua New Guinea and Australian Governments. This project contributes to achieving this goal.”
“The upgraded dental clinic will go a long way in improving dental health nationally as demand for these services grows and more dentists are trained for hospitals across the country,” said Mr David.
University Acting Vice Chancellor Vincent Malaibe commended the Australian Government for its continuous support to enhance education, training and service delivery outcomes for Papua New Guineans.
“With much gratitude to Australia, our dental clinic is now fully functional and up-to-date. We have a bright future for producing many dentists which the country needs in order to address increased dental health issues,” he said.
The Australian Government has been a partner of the School of Medical and Health Sciences for the past 20 years providing support in a range of areas including leadership and governance, infrastructure and scholarships.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100
(L-R) Sr Carol Hosea Bran – Director Nursing Services PMGH, Dr Paisan Dakulala – Assistant Health Secretary along with Mr. Benedict David – Minister Councillor Australian High Commission and Mr Vincent Malaibe – UPNG Acting Vice Chancellor during the ribbon cutting ceremony.