A former Health Secretary, Pascoe Kase, has been appointed as permanent head of the National Department of Health (NDoH).
Health Minister Elias Kapavore announced Mr Kase’s appointment, saying there was due diligence in the recruitment process undertaken by Vanguard International, with further processing through the Department of Personnel management (DPM), and the Public Services Commission (PSC).
He said a short list of three candidates was submitted to the National Executive Council (NEC), which confirmed Mr Kase’s appointment as Secretary for NDoH.
He added that it was a result of meritocracy with due diligence.
Minister Kapavore said for purposes of clarity, acting Secretary Ken Wai’s name was eliminated from PSC’s short list to NEC.
“I thank acting Secretary Ken Wai for his commitment and leadership over the past seven months,” he said.
“With the incoming Secretary, we can focus on expediting important outstanding reforms such as the establishment of a Health Services Commission, improve collaboration on project management unit to monitor project funds to PHAs, improving efficiency in PHAs performance, strengthening medical supplies procurement, and distribution among many others.
“In my 14 months as Minister, I haven’t presented to Parliament any amendment to outstanding health laws or proposed new bills. Health systems are changing, hence we must adopt to remain relevant.
Mr Kapavore said Mr Kase had previously served as Health Secretary for two terms and qualified to be short listed for appointment.
“He has worked in the health sector for 22 years, serving from a humble beginning as a nurse manager, operating theatre to being the CEO of a best performing provincial hospital and CEO of PHA with double Masters’ Degree in Administration,” Minister Kapavore said.
“He is a seasoned health leader who is committed to transforming the health sector under the Marape-Rosso Government.
“Chairman of the highest health board, the National Health Board Prof Mathias Sapuri, Chairman of PNG Medical Board, Dr Paul Sali, and PHA CEOs have fully supported the NEC decision on Mr Kase’s appointment. “I appeal to the National Doctors’ Association to respect the NEC decision and seek everyone’s corporation to unite as a team to restore public confidence in our public health system,” Minister Kapavore concluded.