Health leaders explore cross-border healthcare partnerships during Jayapura visit

Senior officials from Papua New Guinea’s National Department of Health and the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority have completed a five-day visit to Jayapura, Indonesia, to strengthen cross-border healthcare cooperation and explore potential patient referral partnerships.

The delegation, led by NDOH Executive Manager for Health Standards and Compliance, Ambrose Kwaramb and WSPHA CEO, Stanley Masi, visited key hospitals including RSUP Kemenkes Jayapura, RSUD Dok II, Jayapura Mental Health Hospital, and several private and specialist facilities to assess service capacity, infrastructure, and clinical standards.

Mr Kwaramb said the visit is part of efforts to turn existing agreements into practical action.

“We already have national-level cooperation between Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. What we are doing now is focusing on practical arrangements that can improve access to specialised healthcare services for our people, especially in border areas,” he said.

Mr. Masi said the initiative responds to ongoing challenges faced by patients in West Sepik.

“Many of our people still struggle to access timely specialist care. This partnership approach gives us options to improve referrals and strengthen service delivery for our communities,” he said.

During the visit, PNG officials reviewed hospital operations, specialist services, and health systems to assess possible referral pathways for patients requiring advanced treatment not readily available in West Sepik Province.

The delegation also met with Papua Province Administrator Mr Lukas Christian Sohilait, who welcomed the engagement.

“Health cooperation between Papua and Papua New Guinea is very important. Strengthening this partnership will bring real benefits to communities on both sides of the border,” he said.

He added that Papua Province is open to deeper cooperation in patient care, training, and emergency response support.

PNG officials also held discussions with hospital administrators, medical suppliers, and health sector leaders on workforce training, equipment support, and pharmaceutical supply chains.

Mr Kwaramb said strengthening health worker capacity is a key outcome.

“Beyond referrals, this is also about training, mentoring, and building the skills of our health workers so we can improve services back home,” he said.

Mr. Masi added that improved systems and partnerships can directly benefit patients.

“When we strengthen training, equipment, and referral pathways, the end result is better care and better outcomes for our people,” he said.

Health officials from both countries say the discussions were positive and are expected to lead to more structured cooperation arrangements aimed at improving access to specialised healthcare for border communities.

The visit was facilitated by the Consulate of the Republic of Indonesia in Vanimo, in collaboration with the West Sepik Provincial Health Authority and supported by the Provincial Government of Papua.

This mission marks an important step towards building a stronger and more practical cross-border health partnership between the two neighboring countries.