City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) has taken its first major step in a new partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) by launching a joint training workshop on Wednesday, April 29 in Port Moresby.
The session follows an agreement signed in March and marks the beginning of a long-term plan to strengthen healthcare services across the country.
The workshop brought together CPL’s senior leaders and teams from across the business, working alongside IFC’s international advisors.
Staff from finance, human resources, IT, and project teams all took part, showing that improving healthcare will involve the entire organization.
This partnership focuses on three key areas: expanding primary healthcare services, improving the quality of care in clinics and pharmacies, and introducing digital systems to make services more efficient and accessible.
The goal is to build a healthcare model that can grow across Papua New Guinea while still working within local conditions.
The first workshop focused on setting clear goals, sharing global best practices, and shaping ideas that can work on the ground in PNG.
Discussions centred on building systems that are practical, reliable, and able to meet the country’s growing healthcare needs.
CPL Chief Operating Officer Pradeep Panda said the partnership is about learning and building together.
“This workshop is about working closely with IFC to build a strong model for our clinics and pharmacies, and to improve healthcare outcomes for our communities,” he said.
CPL Group Founder Sir Mahesh Patel also stressed the importance of making sure plans can be delivered in real conditions.
“This collaboration is focused on solutions that can work here in PNG and create real impact,” he said.
The partnership comes at a time when CPL is sharpening its focus on healthcare, following the sale of its Stop and Shop supermarket business.
The company is now putting more effort into strengthening its clinics, pharmacies, and overall healthcare services.
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will continue to support CPL through advisory work throughout 2026.
More workshops are planned to help improve systems, guide expansion, and support digital transformation across the business.
As both organizations move forward, the aim is clear. Improve patient care, strengthen local capability, and build a healthcare system that can grow with the needs of Papua New Guinea.
