Interplast Aussie, NZ team arrives next week

THE Interplast Australia and New Zealand team will be in PNG next week for consultation and constructive surgery in Port Moresby, Alotau and Mt Hagen.
The team is comprised of specialist doctors in the areas of operating on and repairing cleft lips and palates, scarring from burns, hand injuries and tumours.
The Interplast team provide free treatment to people who suffer from these disabilities from birth defects to acquired conditions like burn scar contractures, who normally would not be able to afford it.
The team is made up of volunteers who provide surgery and allied health services to developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
According to a press statement, the team will be at the Alotau General Hospital from Jan 25 to 29, and at the Mt Hagen General Hospital from Feb 1 to 5.
Another Interplast team will be at the Port Moresby General Hospital to provide plastic and reconstructive hand surgery services from Feb 1 to 5.
They will not be dealing with common skin diseases or plastic surgery requests and priority in Port Moresby will be given to those with debilitating hand conditions requiring surgery.
The Interplast programme in PNG is funded by the Health Education and Clinical Services (HECS) programme through AusAID and the Australian government, since March last year.
It trains and assists with developing local capacities to provide surgery and ancillary services by providing training and mentoring programmes for medical and allied health professionals.
Interplast has conducted 66 programmes in PNG since 1985, resulting in 3,663 consultations and 1,915 patients receiving life changing treatment.
For more information, call Dr Seta or Dr Perista Mamadi at Alotau on 6411200, Dr Yapo at Mt Hagen (5421166) and Sr Kaptigau at Port Moresby General Hospital (3248200).