Healthy, wealthy and wise go together

PAPUA New Guinea faces a critical shortage of healthcare workers, a challenge that continues to hinder the delivery of quality services to its people.
Human resource is the key factor in the country’s ability to provide adequate healthcare to its people, particularly in the remote and underserved areas.
Shortage of health workers in PNG is a multifaceted problem that has been exacerbated by a number of factors, including a lack of investment in education and training, inadequate infrastructure and resources, and high rates of emigration among healthcare professionals seeking better employment opportunities abroad.
As a result, many communities in PNG lack access to basic healthcare services, leading to poor outcomes and preventable deaths.
The shortage of healthcare workers is particularly acute in rural and remote areas, where the majority of the population lives.
In these areas, facilities are often understaffed, poorly equipped, and unable to meet the needs of the population.
This has a disproportionately negative impact on vulnerable populations, such as women, children, and the elderly, who are most in need of healthcare services.
Recognising the critical importance of addressing the shortage of workers, the Government, in collaboration with international partners and non-governmental organisations, has launched initiatives to strengthen the human resources for health in the country. These initiatives focus on increasing the number of workers, improving their skills and competencies, and ensuring their equitable distribution across the country.
One such initiative is the training and deployment of community health workers, who play a crucial role in providing primary healthcare services to communities in remote and underserved areas.
Community health workers are trained to deliver a range of promotion, prevention, and treatment services, including maternal and child health, infectious disease control, and basic healthcare provision.
By expanding the cadre of community health workers, the Government aims to improve access to quality services in communities where there is a shortage of trained professionals.
In addition to training community health workers, efforts are also being made to strengthen the workforce through improved education and training programmes, enhanced recruitment and retention strategies, and the provision of incentives for workers to stay and work in rural and remote areas.
These efforts are aimed at building a sustainable healthcare workforce that is equipped to meet the diverse needs of the population and improve outcomes across the country.
As PNG continues to address the challenges of human resources for health, it is essential that these efforts are sustained and scaled up to have a meaningful impact on the system.
By investing in the recruitment, training, and retention of workers, PNG can improve access to quality healthcare services, reduce disparities, and enhance the overall well-being of its population.
In conclusion, addressing the shortage of healthcare workers in PNG is a critical priority for improving the delivery of services and ensuring the well-being of the population.
By investing in human resources for health, PNG can strengthen its system and achieve better health outcomes for all Papua New Guineans.

Romel Kuman