Chongqing University Cancer Hospital Short-Term Expert Team Successfully Arrives in Papua New Guinea, Launching a New Chapter in Sister-Hospital Collaboration

On October 9, 2025, a short-term expert delegation from Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, led by Professor Wang Ying, President of the hospital and an expert in radiation oncology, arrived safely in Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea (PNG), on October 10 after departing from Chongqing. The eight-member team, comprising specialists in radiation oncology, breast cancer treatment, ultrasound, pathology, surgical nursing, and health education, has officially commenced a nine-day academic exchange and medical cooperation mission.

This visit is a key step in implementing the National Health Commission’s sister-hospital cooperation program. It aims to further strengthen practical collaboration between Chongqing University Cancer Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), jointly exploring international pathways for standardized diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Joint Planning: Engagement at the University of Papua New Guinea School of Medicine and Health Sciences

On the morning of October 10, President Wang Ying, along with Professors Zhang Yunyun and staff member Yi Ruotong, visited the University of Papua New Guinea School of Medicine and Health Sciences, accompanied by members of the 14th Chinese Medical Team. They were warmly received by Dean Prof. Nakapi Tefuarani and Head of the Head and Neck Department and Deputy Director of International Cooperation, Dr. Mahmood Siddiqi.

During the meeting, both sides viewed a promotional video of Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, gaining insight into its strengths in cancer prevention, clinical services, teaching, research, and international cooperation as a National Regional Cancer Medical Center jointly established by the national and municipal governments.

Prof. Nakapi Tefuarani welcomed the delegation and reviewed the existing cooperation between the two institutions. He expressed the school’s commitment to enhancing local medical education and clinical services, hoping for deeper collaboration in talent development, joint research, and specialty construction—particularly in technology transfer and capacity building for cancer control.

President Wang thanked the hosts and introduced the hospital’s development, clinical strengths, and international strategy. She emphasized the hospital’s dedication to cancer prevention and treatment, expressing a desire to expand cooperation in cancer prevention, clinical teaching, and telemedicine. “We aim not only to transfer technology, but to help PNG build a local, sustainable team of cancer care professionals,” she said.

Dr. Mahmood Siddiqi highlighted that oral cancer is a major public health challenge in PNG, with high incidence and severe prevention challenges. He expressed hope to learn from Chongqing’s experience in early screening, standardized treatment, and multidisciplinary teams (MDT), proposing specialized training and technical support. He also mentioned the school’s plans to establish its own teaching hospital and expressed interest in learning from Chongqing’s model.

Professor Zhang Yunyun noted the hospital’s extensive clinical experience and research-training systems in head and neck cancers, offering platforms for personnel training and collaborative research, and suggesting joint applications for international projects.

Both sides discussed future cooperation models, including physician exchange programs and joint graduate training.

Working Together: Welcome Ceremony at Port Moresby General Hospital

Later, President Wang and the rest of the expert team reunited at PMGH for a formal welcome ceremony. Attendees included Elias Kapavore, Minister of Health of PNG; Charles Paki Molumi, CEO of PMGH; Kone Sobi, Director of Medical Services; senior surgical staff; and representatives from the Chinese Embassy in PNG and the 14th Chinese Medical Team.

CEO Charles Paki Molumi delivered a welcome speech, praising the achievements in talent development and technical exchange between the two hospitals. He described Chongqing University Cancer Hospital as not only a partner but a key force in advancing PNG’s healthcare, expressing hope that the visit would further enhance PMGH’s comprehensive capacity in breast cancer treatment. He also voiced strong support for the proposal to establish a formal sister-hospital relationship.

Health Minister Elias Kapavore lauded China’s long-term support for PNG’s healthcare system. He expressed heartfelt gratitude for the technical assistance and material support in breast cancer prevention, stating that this visit reflects the deep friendship between China and PNG. He noted the previously signed Memorandum of Understanding and expressed anticipation for more tangible progress.

Mr. Jiang Chengsen, Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, emphasized that this mission embodies the “One Belt One Road” Health and Wellness Cooperation Initiative. He encouraged both sides to deepen exchanges and deliver more practical outcomes.

President Wang, speaking on behalf of the delegation, stated that the visit aims to deepen cooperation in telemedicine, talent training, surgical demonstration, and two-way referrals, helping PMGH build a “self-sustaining” breast cancer care team.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, President Wang presented PMGH with a calligraphy piece titled “Harmony and Solidarity,” symbolizing joint efforts to overcome disease and protect public health. The event concluded with warm applause and a positive atmosphere.

Prior to the ceremony, President Wang held a focused discussion with Mr. Molumi and Dr. Sobi, discussing the upcoming signing of a sister-hospital agreement. Both sides reached preliminary consensus on establishing a "sister hospital" relationship, launching remote pathological consultations, creating a green channel for international patients, and implementing a two-way referral mechanism. PMGH leadership highly praised China’s prior support in training and equipment donations, expressing hope that this visit would further enhance capabilities in key areas such as breast cancer, with future cooperation expanding to cervical cancer, lymphoma, and head and neck tumors.

In the coming days, the expert team will conduct medical consultations, surgical demonstrations, equipment donations, and academic lectures, further deepening collaboration in standardized breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and contributing to improved care in PNG.