The passing of former prime minister Sir Michael Somare has prompted several Papua New Guinea leaders to call for a stand-alone cancer hospital in the country.
Photo: AFP
Senior MPs Patrick Pruaitch and Richard Maru said the government should improve funding to the health sector and specifically for construction of a dedicated cancer hospital.
Sir Michael died nearly three weeks ago of pancreatic cancer.
In a special parliamentary session to honour Sir Michael last week, Pruaitch lamented how cancer was killing many citizens of the country, particularly women.
He said after years of talking on the matter, he called on all leaders to seriously look at investing in health facilities in PNG.
Pruaitch, the leader of the National Alliance Party, said leaders needed to serious address the impact of cancer on the country.
Maru said a cancer centre being built in Port Moresby required an additional $US14.2 million to complete its construction.
He called on Prime Minister, James Marape, to find necessary money and to name this new world class cancer centre the Sir Michael Thomas Somare Cancer Centre.