Great job on health inquiry PAC

THE Public Accounts Committee members should be commended for their persistence in getting to the bottom of the shortage of medical drugs in the country.
The committee, in particular chairman Sir John Pundari and vibrant no-nonsense deputy Gary Juffa wasted no time in digging into the National Departments of Health and its procurement and supply of medicine and pharmaceutical drugs system, including the awarding of two government contracts to supply medical kits and antibiotics.
The seven-day sitting exposed the rot in the system, something those in authority have worked overtime to conceal.
Many did not think much of this committee from previous hearings that it would not unveil or confirm what is already public knowledge relating to shortage of medical drugs in the country.
The PAC inquiry into the supply of medicines has surprised many on how it had conducted the inquiry.
Its questioning has been pretty direct and it is covering some other areas as well.
We can only hope that it will not let up and will expose those in the wrong and recommend criminal prosecution.
The inquiry has given the public hope that the government this time is serious in wanting to fight corruption.
Too often, such cases were dismissed or brushed under the carpet, even after lengthy and expensive investigations.
It is embarrassing to hear from the PAC on what are already reflecting glaring weakness in the operations of the Health Department.
The hearing now puts the performance of those who work in this institution in question.
Internally, officers who failed their task to ensure the system worked well should be reprimanded.
People should start taking responsibility.
The obligation of an individual or organisation to account for its activities, accept responsibility for them, and to disclose the results in a transparent manner is very important.
It also includes the responsibility for money or other entrusted property.
Accountability in the workplace is something every manager wants to have.
Accountability has a clear link to higher work performance, but experts indicate that it also results in improved competency and commitment to work, increased employee morale, and work satisfaction.
It is important to tell the Government how the money is spent and a lot of our people need to get into the habit of auditing of funds – particularly public funds.
If you take responsibility for your own actions, you show accountability.
Public servants need to take ownership and lead in service delivery.
PAC members plan to visit hospitals, clinics and aid post nationwide. The Government should support this plan. Give them the ammunition to keep firing.
Time to crack the whip and toe everyone in line with what is expected, otherwise it will all become talk, talk and talk.
The Government should continue to feed and encourage lawful practices that will translate into delivery of goods and services to ordinary Papua New Guineans.