MINISTER HEALTH IGNORANT WITH HEALTH MANAGEMENT ISSUES AFFECTING PNGEANS

Post Courier, 09th April 2025 Today's Post-

Today's Post-Courier headline, "Shortage of Drugs at Clinic Worrying," is a stark reminder of the deepening health crisis in Papua New Guinea. The Lawes Road Clinic is among several health facilities struggling with medicine shortages, forcing patients to seek treatment elsewhere. Community leaders have voiced concerns about the delays in drug supply, which continue to undermine public confidence in the health system.

One of the major contributing factors to this crisis is the prolonged delay in appointing a permanent Health Secretary. The absence of stable leadership at the National Department of Health has led to poor coordination, slow decision-making, and breakdowns in essential services like drug procurement and distribution.

The National Executive Council (NEC) recently rejected a shortlist of candidates for the Health Secretary position due to breaches in the selection process, further extending the leadership vacuum. Meanwhile, health workers have protested over the instability, citing low morale and chronic medicine shortages.

At the same time, the NCD Provincial Health Authority (PHA) must urgently address its leadership gap by appointing a substantive CEO. The authority is responsible for health services in the nation’s capital, Port Moresby, which sets an example for the entire country. The uncertainty surrounding the CEO position has caused concerns about the effectiveness of health service delivery. While Dr. Steven Yennie was confirmed as CEO following a legal challenge, nurses and healthcare professionals continue to demand stable leadership to restore functionality in Port Moresby’s health system.

Adding to the concerns about health infrastructure priorities, John Kaiyo's media release recently highlighted the construction of a short road at a significant cost, raising questions about resource allocation. The same entities involved in this road project are now pushing for a new hospital, despite the urgent need to upgrade existing health centres and expand aid posts.

The NCDC Provincial Health Authority has been criticized for failing to prioritize improvements to existing health facilities, which would immediately benefit communities rather than diverting funds to new large-scale projects. Governor Powes Parkop has also voiced concerns about the lack of a clinical plan for the city, emphasizing the need for better coordination and investment in primary healthcare services.

The government must act decisively to restore leadership, coordination, and credibility in both national and provincial health systems. Leadership gaps in key health institutions directly affect patient care, drug supply chains, and service accessibility. Without immediate intervention, the health sector will remain in crisis, leaving vulnerable populations at serious risk.