Australian specialists to perform free surgeries at Vanimo Hospital

Around 40 patients from the Sepik Region will undergo reconstructive surgery at the Vanimo Hospital in a week (Image: Supplied)

Up to 40 patients from across the Sepik region are expected to receive free, life-changing reconstructive surgery at West Sepik Provincial Hospital in Vanimo next week, thanks to a partnership between Frieda River Limited [FRL] and Interplast.

A volunteer team of specialist surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and therapists will travel from Australia to work alongside Papua New Guinean medical staff from November 22 to 28. Patients with cleft lips, congenital deformities, serious burns, trauma injuries, and hand or upper-limb conditions will be treated at no cost.

FRL Country Manager Dr Joel Hamago said the need for reconstructive surgery remains high across PNG and that many patients are often left without options. He described the program as a “mission of compassion and community commitment.”

This is the second year of FRL’s three-year partnership with Interplast. Earlier this year, a similar program at Boram Hospital in Wewak provided 29 procedures for 25 patients, building on work begun in 2024 that included 17 surgeries and training for 50 PNG medical personnel. The next Wewak program is scheduled for February 2026.

Interplast, accredited by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, provides free reconstructive surgery and medical training across 17 Asia-Pacific countries.