Site Information Sheet
Porgera Hospital
Porgera, Enga Province
Papua New Guinea
Program location
The program takes place in the Enga Province of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific. Considering the distance and time changes, travel to the site can take up to three to five days. The site is located approximately 200 km from Mt. Haugen, the capital of the Western Highlands Province and location of the nearest airport.
Climate/weather
Porgera is located in a rainforest at an elevation of 7,500 ft. The climate is mild as it is never very cold or extremely hot. As Porgera is located in a rainforest, the weather patterns fluctuate each day, and days without rain are unusual. Students should plan accordingly.
Mailing address
Porgera Hospital, C/O Porgera Joint Venture, P.O. Box 484, Mt. Hagen, Western Highland Province, Papua New Guinea
Program Description
Within the first days of arrival, participants will receive a brief in-country orientation, providing basic information and background of the health care and the medical education system of the country.
Participants will be under the direction of Dr. Moises V. Granada, MD, Physician-Surgeon CEO, Dr. Alan Nadal, MD, Surgeon and Director of Medical Services, and Dr. Dimple Daril O. Garcia-Gerogalin, MD, Obstetrics and Gynecology. Although located in a very remote location, the hospital is well equipped with a capacity of more than 80 beds.
Services Provided
- Primary health care
- HIV/AIDS awareness program
- Maternal and child health clinic
- Outpatient clinic
- Obstetric and gynecology
- Dentistry
- General surgery
- Orthopedic surgery
Between four and five SIMS participants are expected between the middle of June to the first week of August. Rotation availability may vary depending on the time of year, the number of SIMS participants at one time, and local conditions. Please note that other students from other countries may be sharing the facilities and rotation site. Rotation activities may include working with physicians and hospital staff at the hospital, patient education in the community, and assisting staff at outreach clinics.
Participants are expected to provide their own scrub suit to use while inside the operating room during surgeries and a smock gown to wear during the patient’s rounds. While at the hospital, professional dress is required, and women’s clothing must cover their knees. Participants should also plan to bring a stethoscope, otoscope, reflex hammer, and a blood pressure cough if possible. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring any text or reference books that may be helpful to them while at the site (i.e., history taking or doing physical exams). Finally, a Papua New Guinea Pigeon Language Dictionary is helpful for communicating with patients.
Rural clinics
Participants can help in daily, station rural clinics organized by PAH in surrounding areas. Areas of focus include maternal and child health, immunizations, and health education.
Program details
Languages
Linguists have catalogued more than 700 distinct languages in Papua New Guinea. The country's rugged terrain accounts for much of the diversity--for centuries, most groups lived in isolation from one another. English is the official language and is taught in schools. Melanesian Pidgin (Tok Pisin) is most widely spoken and is often used for communication between members of different ethnic groups. Tok Pisin contains fewer than 1,800 words, which makes it easy to learn. At home people usually use the language of their group; more people (mostly those living in the Papuan region) speak Motu than any other of the indigenous languages. In isolated rural areas, many women and older people know only their local language.
Accommodations
Lodging will be provided by the hospital free of charge and is located within the hospital housing complex, just a few minutes by foot from the hospital. The guesthouse windows are screened, therefore mosquito nets are not necessary. Electricity is available (240 volts, according to Australian standard), as well as hot and cold water. Participants will have access to a washer and dryer as well as the Internet; however, the connection is very slow (16.8kb/sec.). Bedding will be provided yet it is required that participants bring extra warm bedding (Sleeping bag/extra blankets) and clothing because it gets quite cold at night.
Regarding food, participants are welcome to purchase meal tickets for vegetarian meals at the hospital’s cafeteria. The cost of three meals is approximately $6-$10 per day. Participants may also choose to purchase food at the local supermarket and cook meals for themselves. The supermarket is located within walking distance of the hospital.
Because participants may be returning to their lodging after dark, it is advisable to bring a good flashlight as well as mosquito repellant. Hospital staff asks that participants refrain from walking, jogging, or shopping alone; it is best to have a local person along. Finally, the staff encourages students to participate in campus sports such as soccer, basketball, and rugby.
Transportation to site
Participants are responsible for arranging their own air travel to the Mt. Haugen International Airport. For the cheapest routes it is recommended that students fly to PNG via Manila. It is also strongly recommended that students arrive at approximately the same time so that the hospital staff only have to make one trip. In some cases, students may have to spend the night in Port Moresby before coming to Mt. Haugen. If this is the case, the hospital is able to make lodging arrangements for students with this particular travel itinerary. Upon arrival in Mt. Haugen, hospital staff will meet students and bring them to PH. The airport is approximately 200km away from the site. Travel to the hospital may take from five to six hours due to curvy mountain roads.
Eligibility
This program is open to all levels of health-care students and professionals. Especially of interest are experienced physical therapy students and/or professionals.
Program Fee
Program fees include food, lodging, and transport from the arrival airport to the site. Program fees do not include air travel or personal travel while in the country. The following costs are based on a four-week stay and subject to change in conjunction with the site.
Housing cost: Free of charge
Food cost: $6 - $10/day
Transport to site fee: Free unless traveling by air to site
Estimated total cost: TBD
Comments from former student interns
It’s an excellent opportunity to learn and serve at the same time. Pick a site where it seems the preceptor is eager to have students. Start as early as you can for planning! Definitely go with an eager attitude. Bring an anatomy atlas for all the surgery and plan on spending free time being active with the people.
We were in the operating room for two to three surgeries each day. We were able to clamp vessels, cauterize, suction, wash, suture, and close incisions. We assisted in many wound repairs, intestinal repairs, appendectomies, a cholecystectomy, a prostatectomy, a pyloric sphincter repair, several orthopedic reductions, and an amputation to name a few.
