By DALCY LULUA
IN the process of developing the healthcare sector budget for 2024, the Secretary for Health, Dr Osborne Liko, has underscored the presence of substantial gaps and their potential implications.
The Department of Health recently hosted a two-day Provincial Health Authority (PHA) Chair and CEO and CEO forum’ which brought together PHA Chairs and Chief Executive Officers (CEO) from across the country. The primary focus of the forum was to address key systemic issues and challenges that the Department of Health is currently confronting, and to devise effective solutions for these challenges.
In his opening remarks, Dr Liko emphasised the sector’s commitment to align with the Minister’s priorities and ensuring the delivery of high-quality services while maintaining the efficient operation of our healthcare facilities.
“We are dedicated to filling the 7,130 clinical vacancies out of a total of 14,518 vacancies within the health sector, which includes positions in rural areas, central agencies, WHOs, and our development partners,” he elaborated.
Dr Liko went on to highlight some of the main challenges, including the need to provide regular updates and consultations with PHAs regarding health system reforms and government system strengthening. Additionally, he outlined the strategic plan for the 2021-2030 National Health Plan.
Addressing some long-standing concerns, Secretary Liko expressed the department’s intent to increase the operational budget for healthcare facilities, particularly provincial hospitals, to compensate for the rising fuel costs attributed to frequent power outages in the country.
“All PHAs are required to budget for distribution costs associated with medical supplies, and we urge the Department of Treasury to consider increasing our operational budget for the 2024 fiscal year,” he emphasized.
Secretary Liko also celebrated a recent milestone—the amendment of all PHA and National Government Acts, which is expected to enhance the government’s stability and oversight capabilities at the provincial level.
“In 2022, a total of 280 million was allocated for the redevelopment of provincial hospitals, with Hela, New Ireland, Northern, East Sepik, and Western Highlands each receiving 25 million. The remaining 205 million was released in late July this year. We encourage all provinces to submit a 15 million infrastructure implementation report along with an expense report, including updates on their current infrastructure status, to facilitate monitoring of individual hospital infrastructure development progress,” he added.
Secretary for Health, Dr Osborne Liko.
