The Society was formed in September 2009 at the Papua New Guinea Medical Symposium as a professional support network for doctors working in rural health around the country. It has seen steady growth since that time.
Officially the Society meets once a year, but in between we have convened workshops for members, and our newsletter The Garamut (see links on this site) serves as a useful educational tool for all those interested in the area of rural health.
Importantly, the Society’s formation has now created a go to point for discussion, that has been accessed by the National Department of Health, donors and others who are seeking expert opinion on what is actually happening at the coal face. Advocacy for rural health has become a major part of our brief.
Through the Masters of Medicine (Rural) program, young PNG doctors are now being trained specifically for the task of District Health service and the Society has a key role in advocating for these young doctors as well, assisting in their training and support.
With overseas partners such as the Old Dart Foundation, Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine, World Health Organization, Australian Doctors International and others, together we are beginning to see the changes to the rural workforce dynamic in this country.
We welcome all those interested in health for PNG’s rural majority to join with us.
Become a member today!
- Membership is currently open.
- Review the membership information to decide if the individual Kumul or Miok membership is more suitable for you!
- Corporate Membership is also available
- The revised Membership Information Form will be uploaded soon
- Download and complete the membership application form and send it through to us on pngruralsociety@gmail.com or secretary.pngsrrh@gmail.com
- We look forward to having you part of the rural health family!