April 24, 2024

Thousands Attend Mega Health Clinic in Papua New Guinea

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In extraordinary scenes, thousands of people queued for check-ups at a mega health clinic held in Papua New Guinea’s Western Highlands Province, April 16-19.

Located at Mount Hagen, the clinic opened on Tuesday with a large welcoming ceremony attended by more than 2,500 people, including the governor of the Western Highlands Province, Wai Rapa.

Challenging weather did not deter many residents of Western Island Province from coming to the free mega health clinic in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Among the health professionals who volunteered their services at the free mega clinic in Papua New Guinea were 86 doctors and 40 nurses. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Volunteer dentist attends to a local resident at the mega health clinic in Mount Hagen. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Services offered at the free mega health clinic include classes on healthful living and improving wellness. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

A joint effort of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 10,000 Toes Campaign and Adventist World Radio, the clinic was manned by 426 volunteers: 86 doctors, 40 nurses and 300 local health workers. Services included diabetes screenings and other medical and dental checks.

Intermittent heavy rain made the conditions challenging. However, the medical volunteers remained steadfast in their mission. While the clinic remained open until April 19, an eye clinic is extending services until April 26. The target was to assist 20,000 patients during this period.

Local residents came prepared to wait for health services offered at the free mega clinic in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Through heat and rain, residents line up to receive medical care at the mega health clinic in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Volunteer eye-care specialists provide free eye exams. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Group photo of volunteers who ran the mega health clinic in Papua New Guinea. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

Crowds gather at the free health clinic in Mount Hagen, Papua New Guinea, organized by the Adventist Church’s 10,000 Toes Campaign and Adventist World Radio. [Photo: 10,000 Toes Facebook account]

“What an incredible day it has been here,” one of the organizers said. “We’ve witnessed lives being transformed, bodies being healed, and spirits being lifted. Truly, it’s a testament to the power and glory of God.”

Embracing a holistic approach to health care, the clinic not only sought to serve the underprivileged but also to embody the healing ministry inspired by the teachings of Jesus and provide an environment for international and local health professionals to learn from each other.