The healthcare landscape in Papua New Guinea is in the midst of a historic shift. With the commissioning of the new Comprehensive Cancer Centre at Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH)—featuring the country’s first radiotherapy bunkers—and a brand new ICU funded by Indonesian aid in 2025, the capital is slowly building self-sufficiency. Meanwhile, in Lae, the massive A$420 million Australian-funded redevelopment of ANGAU Memorial Hospital has transformed it into a modern referral hub for the Momase region.
However, the reality on the ground remains starkly divided. The gap between the air-conditioned, digital corridors of Pacific International Hospital and a rural aid post in the Highlands is immense. For expats, mining workers, and adventurous travelers, understanding this divide—and knowing exactly when to trigger a medical evacuation—is a matter of life and death.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will review the top public and private facilities, reveal the missionary hospital that locals swear is the “best in the country,” and provide the essential survival protocols for navigating healthcare in the Land of the Unexpected.
The Three Tiers of PNG Healthcare
To survive and thrive here, you must understand the three distinct systems operating in parallel.
1. The Elite Private Sector (Port Moresby)
- The Hubs: Pacific International Hospital (PIH) and Paradise Private Hospital.
- The Reality: This is where the diplomatic corps, expats, and wealthy locals go. They offer MRI scans, Catheterization Labs for heart attacks, and 24/7 emergency rooms that function like Western hospitals.
- The Cost: High. Consultations are expensive, and admission requires significant upfront deposits or verified insurance.
2. The Improving Public Giants
- The Hubs: PMGH (Port Moresby) and ANGAU (Lae).
- The Reality: While infrastructure has improved massively (thanks to foreign aid), these hospitals are often overwhelmed. Waiting times can be long, and shortages of consumables (like IV fluids or specific antibiotics) still occur.
- Best For: Major trauma. If you are in a severe car accident, the trauma teams here see more cases in a week than most Western doctors see in a year.
3. The Mission Hospitals (Rural Gold Standards)
- The Hubs: Kudjip Nazarene Hospital (Jiwaka) and others.
- The Reality: Run by churches and NGOs, these facilities often provide better, cleaner, and more compassionate care than government provincial hospitals. They are the backbone of rural health.
Top Hospitals in Papua New Guinea: A Deep Dive
We have analyzed the facilities to bring you the most reliable options in 2026.
1. Pacific International Hospital (PIH) – Port Moresby (3 Mile)
The technological leader of the country.
- Best For: Cardiology (Angiography), Advanced Imaging (128-slice CT/1.5T MRI), and Medical Evacuation stabilization.
- Why it stands out: It acts as a “One-Stop Shop.” Unlike public hospitals where you might need to go elsewhere for a scan, PIH has it all on-site. It is the primary partner for most international insurance companies.
2. Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) – Port Moresby
The national referral center, recently upgraded.
- Best For: Oncology (Cancer), Emergency Trauma, and complex surgery.
- Why it stands out: The 2025/2026 upgrades, including the New Heart Centre and Cancer Centre, have installed equipment previously unavailable in the country. If you need a specialist who understands local tropical diseases (like drug-resistant TB or complicated Malaria), the professors here are the experts.
3. Kudjip Nazarene Hospital – Jiwaka Province (Highlands)
Widely considered the best hospital in the Highlands region.
- Best For: General Surgery, Maternity, and Infectious Diseases.
- Why it stands out: Despite its rural location, it maintains US-standard hygiene and protocols (staffed partly by American missionaries). Expats working in the Highlands often choose to drive here rather than go to local provincial hospitals.
4. ANGAU Memorial Hospital – Lae
The newly rebuilt giant of the North.
- Best For: Regional Trauma, Pediatrics, and Tuberculosis treatment.
- Why it stands out: Following the massive Australian-led reconstruction, the facilities (wards, operating theaters, and pathology labs) are among the newest in the Pacific. It serves as the safety net for the industrial hub of Lae.
5. Paradise Private Hospital – Port Moresby (Taurama)
A long-standing private alternative.
- Best For: Maternity, Family Medicine, and Day Surgery.
- Why it stands out: Smaller and often quieter than PIH, it is favored by long-term residents for routine care, antenatal checks, and minor surgeries.
📊 Comparison: Top Medical Facilities in PNG
Use this table to plan your healthcare strategy based on your region.
| Hospital Name | Location | Type | Key Strength | Best For |
| Pacific Int. Hospital (PIH) | Port Moresby | Private | Advanced Imaging/Cardiac | Expats, Heart Attacks, Medevac |
| Port Moresby General | Port Moresby | Public | Oncology/Trauma | Major Accidents, Cancer Care |
| Kudjip Nazarene Hospital | Jiwaka | Mission | Reliability & Hygiene | Highlands Emergencies, Surgery |
| ANGAU Memorial Hospital | Lae | Public | New Infrastructure | Industrial Accidents, General Care |
| Paradise Private Hospital | Port Moresby | Private | Maternity/Family | Routine Care, Childbirth |
| Goroka Provincial Hospital | Goroka | Public | Regional Hub | Basic Stabilization in Eastern Highlands |
| Mt Hagen General Hospital | Mt Hagen | Public | Trauma | Tribal Violence Injuries, Acute Care |
| St. Mary’s Vunapope | Kokopo | Mission | Rabaul Access | East New Britain Emergencies |
| Rumginae Rural Hospital | Western Prov. | Mission | Rural Access | Mining/Remote Community Care |
| Modilon General Hospital | Madang | Public | Coastal Hub | Basic Surgery, Tropical Medicine |
💡 Real Success Story: The “Highlands” Rescue
In PNG, distance is the biggest killer.
Case Study: The Mining Contractor’s Appendix
The Challenge: Mark, a geologist working near Mt Hagen, developed severe abdominal pain—acute appendicitis. A storm prevented a helicopter flight to Port Moresby.
The Solution: The site medic consulted the MyHospitalNow Forum for the most reliable surgical option within driving distance.
The Advice: Community members unanimously recommended Kudjip Nazarene Hospital over the closer public options, citing its consistent power supply and surgical safety record.
The Outcome: Mark was driven 45 minutes to Kudjip. He underwent a successful appendectomy that night performed by a US-trained surgeon.
The Result: He recovered in a clean private ward and returned to work 10 days later, avoiding a costly medical evacuation.
“I was terrified of having surgery in the bush. But Kudjip was cleaner than some hospitals I’ve seen in Europe. They saved my life when the chopper couldn’t fly.” — Mark S., Mt Hagen
👉 Working in a remote province? Find out which hospital is your “Plan B” here: https://www.myhospitalnow.com/forum/
The “Medevac” Reality: When to Fly
Despite the upgrades, “Medical Evacuation” (Medevac) remains the standard protocol for strokes, severe spinal injuries, or complex organ failure.
- The Route: Patients are usually flown to Cairns or Brisbane (Australia).
- The Cost: A private air ambulance costs between $50,000 to $100,000 AUD.
- The Rule: You must have membership with a provider like International SOS or ensure your travel insurance explicitly covers “Air Ambulance to Australia.” Do not rely on commercial flights for emergencies.
Essential Tips for Patients & Expats
1. Malaria is Everywhere
PNG has some of the most drug-resistant strains of Malaria in the world.
- Protocol: If you have a fever, assume it is Malaria until proven otherwise. Go to a clinic (like PIH or Paradise) immediately for a rapid blood test.
- Meds: Carry a standby course of Coartem or Malarone (prescribed by your doctor) if you are traveling to remote areas.
2. Security at Hospitals
In public hospitals (like Mt Hagen or Lae), tribal conflicts can sometimes spill over into the emergency room.
- Tip: If you are an expat needing care in a volatile region, bring a local security escort or company liaison officer with you to navigate the crowds and ensure safety.
3. Cash is King (Even with Insurance)
Private hospitals often demand a credit card swipe or cash deposit before admission, even if you show an insurance card.
- Action: Keep a credit card with a high limit (approx. $5,000 USD equivalent) available for emergencies.
4. The Blood Bank Shortage
Blood is in chronic short supply.
- Reality: If you or a colleague needs surgery, you may be asked to find your own donors (“Wantoks” or friends) to replace the blood used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is healthcare free in PNG?
In public hospitals, it is heavily subsidized for citizens (almost free). Foreigners are charged “user fees,” but these are low compared to private care. Private hospitals charge full market rates.
2. What is the best hospital in Port Moresby?
Pacific International Hospital (PIH) is the best equipped for diagnostics and critical care for expats. PMGH is best for major trauma and oncology.
3. Do I need a visa for medical treatment in Australia?
Yes. If you need a medevac, the air ambulance company usually handles the “Medical Treatment Visa” paperwork, but having a valid Australian visa in advance is a huge advantage.
4. Is the water safe to drink in hospitals?
No. Never drink tap water in PNG hospitals. Stick to sealed bottled water to avoid Typhoid and Dysentery.
5. Are there good dentists in PNG?
Mills Dental Care and PIH Dental in Port Moresby offer excellent standards. In rural areas, dental care is often limited to extractions.
6. What is the emergency number?
111 is the St John Ambulance number (operating primarily in Port Moresby, Lae, and Kokopo). They are the most reliable ambulance service.
7. Can I get antivenom for snake bites?
Yes. PNG has highly venomous snakes (Papuan Taipan). PMGH and PIH stock antivenom. Speed is critical.
8. Are pharmacies reliable?
City Pharmacy (CPL) is the largest and most reliable chain. Avoid buying medicines from street markets (“buai stalls”) as they are often expired or fake.
9. Is there a decompression chamber for divers?
Yes. Port Moresby General Hospital has a hyperbaric chamber. Always confirm its operational status before a dive trip.
10. How do I find a specialist?
Most specialists are based in Port Moresby. Check our forum for recommendations on specific doctors (e.g., the best pediatrician or dermatologist).
Conclusion: Preparedness is Your Best Prescription
Papua New Guinea is a land of incredible beauty and significant logistical challenges. While 2026 brings new hope with the opening of world-class cancer and heart centers in Port Moresby, the system requires respect and navigation.
Don’t wait for an emergency to check your insurance policy. Know your nearest clinic, have your malaria kit ready, and stay connected with the community.