Malabag plans to set up health body

 By ELIZABETH MIAE

HEALTH and HIV/AIDS Minister Michael Malabag has proposed that all health facilities in Port Moresby be managed by a provincial health authority (PHA) operating within the National Capital District Commission. 

He made this known on Tuesday during the ground breaking ceremony for the Tokarara clinic staff residential duplex. 

He suggested that NCD Governor Powes Parkop discuss this with the health department to establish a PHA for NCD. 

The PHA is an important health sector policy reform under the national health plan (2011-2020). 

The reform undertaken in 2010 was to restructure parts of the health system and adopt a single effective functioning health system for provinces.

The department reported that the PHA was trialed in Eastern Highlands, Milne Bay and Western Highlands successfully and would be implemented in other provinces.

NCD health services adviser Dr Gary Ou’u said NCD had a total of 21 clinics of which eight were managed by churches and non-government organisations. 

Ou’u also revealed plans to upgrade the 6-Mile (Moresby Northeast) and Kaugere (Moresby South) clinics to district hospitals and the St John Hospital at Gerehu to become a provincial 

hospital. 

He said this was to help relieve the pressure on Port Moresby General Hospital. 

“NCD health services are small but we are big in heart because we look after PNG.

“Port Moresby General Hospital is doing its best but it’s not going to be enough.”

Malabag acknowledged the churches for their part in providing health services in PNG. 

He commended the Seventh-Day Adventist church for the services it provided in health and education. 

He told the gathering that the department was in discussion with the Pacific Adventist University (SDA-run institution) to use the vacant facilities at the Laloki Psychiatric Hospital outside Port Moresby to train nurses. 

General secretary of the SDA Central Papua Conference, Pr Chris Moses said stewardship was one of the church’s fundamental beliefs. 

“Stewardship tells us to be prudent managers of the resources that God has given us. To be self reliant, people must work hard and sweat to get what they want.”

He thanked the government for its confidence in the church and for putting Tokarara clinic under the church’s care. 

“As a church and as trustees of God’s resources, every employee must be accountable of all resources and we’ll provide quality health services.”