Legislation to allow use of nuclear radiation sources to treat cancer has been passed in Papua New Guinea.
Cancer cells Photo: Wikimedia Commons
The Post Courier reported that MPs passed the Radiation Safety and Control Bill without any opposition.
Health Minister Sir Puka Temu said the new law and an amendment to the National Institute of Standards and Industrial Technology Bill would allow highly toxic radiation sources for cancer treatment.
This comes as the government has been criticised for neglecting health services in the country especially relating to cancer treatment.
Sir Puka indicated PNG would follow rules for global movement of radiation sources as set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
He said government was planning two major cancer treatment centres, one in Lae (Angau) and another in the capital Port Moresby.
"Today is a historic moment for Parliament as all of us are aware the rise of cancer in a country and suffering it has pose to many of our citizens demands that the country provides for the right treatment," he said.
"Many of these late presentations usually require the application of radiation treatment and we have one centre over the years and that is Angau Cancer Centre."
According to him, the new cancer facility is progressing well at Port Moresby General Hospital.
Meanwhile, the newspaper reported that Chimbu elites are campaigning for one in Kundiawa.