HEALTH Minister Dr Billy Joseph has officially opened the 25th National Health Conference at APEC Haus in Port Moresby, issuing a candid assessment of PNG’s healthcare system and outlining significant reforms to reset the sector after 50 years.
Minister Joseph, addressing Provincial Health Authority CEOs, Board Chairpersons, development partners and senior health officials yesterday morning at the Apec Haus, said while the country could be proud of 50 years of expansion in health infrastructure and workforce, the system was still failing to deliver results.
He posed two fundamental questions to the sector: Can we demonstrate that public funds are producing real results for the people? And has the establishment of Provincial Health Authorities resulted in better health outcomes?
“Core health indicators remain a serious concern. Facility based births, immunisation coverage and communicable disease control remain far below the level we need. Too many of our key indicators are off-track and these unacceptable results have been persistent,” Dr Joseph said.
He said the people do not measure the health system by the number of policies written but by whether they can access care when they need it.
Dr Joseph announced that primary health care must now be at the centre of all efforts, reaffirming the Government’s objective that every citizen should be able to access essential health services within one hour of their home.
“Primary health care brings services closer to communities, prevents illness earlier and reduces pressure on hospitals. Provincial hospitals must be focused on tertiary care and not delivering services that can be more efficiently delivered elsewhere,” he said.
He said PHAs are the main vehicle for delivery but cannot succeed alone, and that accountability must apply across the whole health system.
The Minister confirmed a major review of the Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 and 28 pieces of health legislation by the Constitutional and Law Reform Commission is underway to determine whether PHA Boards are providing effective governance and whether organisational structures direct enough resources to districts.
He also detailed his 120-Day Plan covering 10 key strategic priorities including leadership, governance, medical supply reform, infrastructure, workforce and partnerships.
On infrastructure, Dr Joseph said the Government will prioritise functioning primary health facilities and will deliver on outstanding commitments to build provincial hospitals in Kimbe, Mendi, Hela and Central Provinces, with financing pathways progressed with Departments of Works and Highways, Treasury and Finance.
On the chronic medicine shortage crisis, Dr Joseph was blunt, stating that facilities must have medicines and the long-standing pattern of stockouts must end.
He announced that the National Executive Council has approved a Taskforce to establish an Independent Medical Supplies Authority to take over procurement, warehousing and distribution, allowing the National Department of Health to focus on its regulatory role.
“Importantly, all health workers need adequate supplies of medicines to do their jobs well. Ongoing shortages limit our ability to improve outcomes. No one should be above the law and any evidence of criminal wrongdoing will be referred to police,” he said.
He said Port Moresby General Hospital will be transformed into the nation’s referral and teaching hospital while provincial hospitals grow specialist services.
The five days conference, themed “Health Reset: 50 Years and Beyond Realigning and Shaping the Future of Health Together” continues today.