Papua New Guinea’s only nephrologist, Dr. Steven Bogosia, is now fighting for his life, as the very community he has served for years rallies to save him.
A fundraising dinner held last week Saturday at the Dynasty Restaurant raised K205,500 in just three weeks, part of the K500,000 needed for his urgent cancer treatment overseas.
The fundraiser was planned and executed within a short period by a united team of doctors and staff from Paradise Private Hospital and Port Moresby General Hospital.
Dr. Bogosia, the country’s first and only kidney specialist, has been at the forefront of kidney care in PNG.
Through years of training overseas and service at home, he helped establish dialysis services and led the country to its first successful kidney transplant in 2025, giving hope to patients once told their condition was the “end of the road.”
Now, he faces a cancerous mass in his jaw, with doctors confirming that the treatment he needs is not available locally.
Speaking during the event, Dr. Bogosia reflected on his mission to build a better healthcare system. “We can save lives here, in our own country,” he said, calling for continued support to strengthen kidney services in PNG.
Chair of the organising committee, JANET SIOS, OL, called on all Papua New Guineans to stand together.
“We must all stand with our doctor and save him, so he can continue his special work of saving lives in this country,” she said.
Colleagues including Dr. Wesong Boko, Dr. Aina Annota, and Dr. Hoxson Okti Poki praised his dedication, while patient Judith Lapila Pauls shared an emotional testimony through her daughter, describing how Dr. Bogosia gave her hope and a second chance at life.
Major support came from corporate and government organisations including NCDC under Governor Powes Parkop, Parnell Assurance, Southern Cross, CPL, Borneo Pharma, NDOH, National Planning, Kumul Petroleum Holdings, Pacific International Hospital, and the Parliament Clerk’s Office, among others.
In-kind sponsors such as Brian Bell, Marsh Ltd, SP Brewery, House of Gemini, and Frangipani Printing Solutions also contributed to the success of the event.
Organisers confirmed that support is still flowing in, with more fundraising activities planned in the coming months.
For many, the message is clear: saving Dr. Bogosia means saving countless lives in the future.
