K14.7b allocated for health plan

THE National Executive Council has approved the national health plan (2011-20) and allocated K14.17 billion for its implementation for the next 10 years.
Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Sasa Zibe said: “This is a substantial investment and history making commitment by the government in the health sector as compared to any other period in the history of this country.”
Zibe said a strong and robust system was needed to drive and address health issues and challenges in the country.
He applauded the department for being the first government agency to put together its sector policy document in line with the government’s Vision 2050 and PNG development strategic plan.
“We have learnt from past mistakes and challenges. Our new health plan incorporates those lessons and I am confident we will deliver better results in the coming 10 years,” he said.
Zibe highlighted implementation as a key challenge with a host of other variables influencing the health outcomes ranging from infrastructure, law and order, logistics, manpower and financial laws that validate separation of functions and responsibilities and drug shortage.
He admitted these were the issues that contributed to the worst health indicators and status of PNG in the Western Pacific.
“We will strengthen and build on the partnership with stakeholders and partners we currently have but will also look into new partners to forge alliance and collaboration to delivery on the promise of improved services,” Zibe said.
The plan will be launched next Tuesday in Port Moresby by Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare.