‘NGOs provide more rural health services’

NON-governmental organisations and churches provide more than 80% of the rural primary health care services, according to the Baptist Union-run Kompiam rural hospital in Enga province.
The hospital’s chief executive officer Dr David Mills highlighted this at the second National Health Plan 2011-20 consultative workshop for the Highlands region which was held in Goroka, Eastern Highlands province, last week.
“We are passionate and want to see change taking place in the health sector to protect and promote the health of our people,” Dr Mills said.
He said the church looked forward to greater involvement in the consultation stages of this national plan.
“This was crucial as it captured the thoughts of all partners to involve in the health care delivery system,” Dr Mills said.
Meanwhile, Lufa district administrator Peter Gare, representing the provincial administration, was optimistic that the next 10-year plan would deliver as well as engage all sectors to play coordinated roles.
Mr Gare said there was a need for districts in the region to really secure the K1 million under the district services improvement programme (DSIP) marked to sustain health services in districts.
He said this funding should not be subjected to political pressure and should only be used in supporting health services.
More than 100 participants attended the second regional consultative workshop that was facilitated by the deputy secretary for Health in national health policy and corporate services Mark Mauludu, executive manager for strategic policy Elizabeth Gumbaketi and Dr Goa Tau, executive manager of medical standards.
The third consultation workshop in Madang ends tomorrow.
As the current health plan ends next year, preparations  for the 2011-20 National Health Plan started last March.