Bishop Józef Roszyński from the Diocese of Wewak in East Sepik Province, has called for stronger rural health centres, improved medical resources and greater use of digital technology to bring quality healthcare closer to remote communities in Papua New Guinea.

Speaking during the recent Catholic Church Health Services National Conference, Bishop Roszyński said the Church’s goal over the next 10 years was to prepare for changing healthcare needs and challenges across the country.

He said rural health centres needed better access to essential medical equipment, clean water, reliable transport and medicine supplies.

He also stressed the potential of solar power and internet connectivity to support remote facilities, including powering refrigerators for storing medicines.

“I believe it is now possible to have internet connections even in the most remote places, along with solar power to run small refrigerators for storing medication.”

“We can also organize a reliable chain of medicine supplies. With the development of solar panels and batteries, this equipment is now more affordable.”

Bishop Roszyński said greater use of technology could help health workers seek medical advice when patients could not be transported to a doctor immediately.

“When we don't know how to conduct certain medical procedures, we could utilize a video call to consult a doctor for assistance.”

He also urged young people to become health professionals to serve their communities.

“Encourage our smart students who are coming from our nursing schools and our institutions to go for specialization. “

“When we educate them, we also need to ensure that we retain them in the country, so they can continue to serve our people and our Catholic Church Health Services.”