Papua New Guinea could soon move closer to establishing its first transplant laboratory, with a local medical scientist drawing inspiration from hands-on training in Australia, according to the Australian High Commission in PNG.
Australia Awards alumna Natasha Philip, a Medical Laboratory Scientist and participant in the Women Leading and Influencing (WLI) program, recently completed a professional placement at the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, one of Australia’s leading transplant and immunogenetics laboratories.
 |
| Australia Awards alumna Natasha Philip/photo by Australian High Commission PNG |
The placement allowed Ms Philip to closely observe advanced transplant systems and laboratory practices that are not yet available in PNG, particularly in the specialised field of immunogenetics, which focuses on how DNA influences the human immune system.
She believes introducing transplant and immunogenetics services locally would transform patient care in the country, reducing the need for costly overseas medical referrals.
According to Ms Philip, having services within PNG would allow patients to receive quicker diagnoses, undergo surgery without long delays, and recover at home rather than abroad.
Australia, through its education and leadership programs, says it is proud to support Papua New Guineans who are working to strengthen health systems and build specialist capacity in the country.
Ms Philip said local transplant services would mean “faster diagnosis, timely surgery, and the chance for patients to heal at home – surrounded by family and free from the emotional and financial pressures of overseas treatment.”
#StudyWorld #StudyinAustralia, #StudyinPNG