The Beginnings of Medical Education

Two important institutions were established in Port Moresby: the Papuan Medical College and the Administrative College.

The purpose was to train medical and health workers as well as administrative workers. The Papuan Medical College introduced a medical training program leading to a Diploma in Medicine.

Among the first group of doctors to graduate were the late Dr Adolf Saweri, the late Dr Chris Marjen and several other Papua New Guinean doctors. Dr Chris Marjen later served as one of the Chief Executive Officers of Port Moresby General Hospital.

Walter Strong Hospital & McGregor Hospital

During this period, two separate hospitals were established in Port Moresby:

• The Native Hospital, known as the Walter Strong Hospital
• The White Hospital, known as the McGregor Hospital

Walter Strong Hospital was named after a well-known Australian who had an interest in training Indigenous people to become medical and health workers. He also supported Indigenous education and sent several Indigenous students to study at the University of Sydney in Australia.

Six Ground-Floor Wards

Walter Strong Hospital consisted of six ground-floor wards providing care across different areas of medicine.

• Gynaecology
• Paediatrics
• Surgery
• Internal Medicine
• Tuberculosis (TB)
• Mental Health

Two Dedicated Wards

The McGregor Hospital had two wards:

• Ward 9 — for white male patients
• Ward 10 — for white female patients

The McGregor Hospital site is now associated with the Obstetrics and Gynaecology (O&G) Department of Port Moresby General Hospital.

Establishment of Port Moresby General Hospital

Port Moresby General Hospital's Walter Strong Level 1 was officially opened by Mahuru Rarua Rarua, Lord Mayor of the Port Moresby City Council, on 21 December 1974.

This development marked an important stage in the creation of the institution that would become Port Moresby General Hospital.

Papua New Guinea Independence

At the time of Papua New Guinea's Independence, the separate institutions underwent major changes.

The Papuan Medical College and Administrative College were dissolved, while Walter Strong Hospital and McGregor Hospital were brought together. The two hospitals became one institution, forming what is now known as Port Moresby General Hospital.

Sir Buri Kidu Heart Institute

Another important milestone occurred in 1993 following the death of Sir Buri Kidu, the first Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, who died from a heart attack.

His death highlighted the urgent need for specialized cardiac services in Papua New Guinea and contributed to the establishment of the Sir Buri Kidu Heart Institute at Port Moresby General Hospital.

The development of the Institute included the introduction of specialized non-invasive cardiac services, including coronary angiography. These services represented a major advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease in Papua New Guinea.

Operation Open Heart Program

From 1993 to 2026, Port Moresby General Hospital also became an important centre for the Operation Open Heart Program, established in partnership with Open Heart International.

Through the program, Papua New Guineans — particularly children with congenital and other heart conditions — were able to receive life-saving open-heart surgery free of charge.

The program has provided an important service to families who otherwise may not have been able to access specialized cardiac surgery.

Growth of Specialist Services

Over the years, Port Moresby General Hospital has undergone considerable growth and transformation.

The number of medical and health professionals graduating and joining the health workforce has increased, while more doctors have undertaken specialist training and developed expertise across various medical disciplines.

In response to increasing demand, specialist clinics and specialized services have been established and expanded, providing patients with access to more advanced and comprehensive medical care.