How does the healthcare system work in Papua New Guinea?

What is the quality of healthcare in Papua New Guinea?

• Since Papua New Guinea (PNG) gained independence, the government has been working hard to improve primary health care and make it accessible to all residents. Progress has been made, but there is still a lot of work to be done and unfortunately the system is underfunded. Other countries offer help, but despite this the country has to deal with many outbreaks of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS etc.
• The country has a mix of public, private and Christian health care institutions. Health care is available in the cities, but outside of them it is very limited. Also, the care is generally not of good quality because the necessary resources such as medicines and equipment are not available.
• Cash payments are the norm in PNG.
• Emergency medical care is available in cities such as Port Moresby and Lae. Outside of these it is not.
• For more serious care, medical evacuation is almost certainly necessary. It can therefore be useful to have a visa for Australia in advance.
• Many common medicines are available in pharmacies, but it may be wise to bring your own medicines if you are dependent on them. Check the rules carefully.

How does the public healthcare system work in Papua New Guinea?

• Due to the shortage of funds, the public healthcare system has many problems. The best care can be found in the cities, where there is still a chance of reasonable facilities. Outside the cities, there are often major shortages of supplies and personnel.
• There is a public insurance - the National Health Plan, aimed at residents. Care is partly free for locals. Expats are usually not entitled to this and must therefore arrange their own insurance.

How does the private healthcare system work in Papua New Guinea?

• There are private clinics in the country, and as with public healthcare, these are mainly concentrated in Port Moresby and Lae. The quality here is reasonable, but the range of care is still limited.
• Private care usually has to be paid for in advance, in cash.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Papua New Guinea?

• There are private clinics (such as Aspen Medical) where general practitioners can be found.
• You can often find lists of doctors who speak English through embassies.

How is the dentist arranged in Papua New Guinea?

• There are both public and private dentists, especially in Port Moresby. Good dental care is often available at private clinics.

How is pregnancy care arranged in Papua New Guinea?

• In PNG, just over half of women receive professional help during childbirth. Less than half have access to the necessary medical care during pregnancy and many women live in extreme isolation (think a week's walk to the hospital). The country also has one of the highest maternal and infant mortality rates in the world.
• Access to maternity and postpartum care therefore varies greatly depending on where you are. Port Moresby and Lae have good options, also for high-risk pregnancies, but it is wise to ask other expats for their experiences. Embassies can also help you find good care and doctors who speak English. Blood tests, ultrasounds and regular check-ups are part of pregnancy care, but the quality and facilities vary per institution/region.

How safe or unsafe is a trip or stay in Papua New Guinea?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safety in Papua New Guinea?

• The people of PNG are generally very friendly and hospitable, but there are some serious issues to consider.
• Crime is common in cities such as Port Moresby, Lae and Mount Hagen. Think of car theft, pickpocketing, sexual offences and armed robberies. It is advised not to wear expensive items in public, it is advisable to avoid crowds and not to go out after dark.
• In addition to the human violence, the country is also in a seismically active zone, which means that earthquakes and volcanic eruptions can occur.
• During the rainy season, heavy rainfall can lead to flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas.
• Areas that are advised against include Panguna mine on Bougainville and Enga province. Always check the latest advice on your government website.

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Papua New Guinea?

• Various vaccinations are required for a visit to PNG. Discuss this well in advance with your vaccination doctor. Malaria is common, as is dengue. It is therefore important to take good precautions, such as taking medication, wearing mosquito repellent clothing and using spray.
• Tuberculosis is also a major problem. Awareness and prevention are therefore important.
• You can contract various diseases through water. Think of Leptospirosis, especially after floods. Wearing water shoes and protecting open wounds helps prevent infections. You can also suffer from diarrhea, typhoid fever and parasites due to the poor water quality. Always drink bottled water or well-filtered water.

What should you pay attention to when it comes to traffic in Papua New Guinea?

• Moving around in traffic in PNG comes with challenges; driving on the left, the bad roads, unpredictable driving behavior of others, the tropical weather...
• There are few major roads to get from one place to another. For example, Port Moresby is not connected to other cities. Roadblocks and armed robberies of motorists are also common. Public transport is limited and not considered safe for foreigners. The use of taxis or public motor vehicles (PMVs) is discouraged due to the risk of muggings and other crimes.
• There is no train network and local bus transport is strongly discouraged due to the poor quality of buses and vehicles.
• Due to the poor and limited road network, the most reliable and fastest way to travel is by domestic flight. Please note that delays can occur.

What work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Papua New Guinea?

• Is the trip to Papua New Guinea and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Papua New Guinea if you are going to live there for a while?

• Although health insurance is generally not mandatory for a stay in PNG, it is an absolute must. Without good international insurance, you run a high risk of having to pay for private healthcare costs and medical evacuation in a country with many health risks.
• Make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation as well as coverage in neighboring countries. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.