Opposition supports decision to disband centre

THE Opposition has welcomed the decision by Prime Minister James Marape to disband the Covid-19 National Control Centre (NCC), saying it is long overdue.
Shadow Minister for Health and HIV/AIDS Elias Kapavore said it was a “duplication of resources”.
“I welcome the decision but it is long overdue,” Kapavore said. “The NCC somewhat diverted the priorities and focus of the Health Department.
“There was no proper coordination of the Covid-19 statistics from provinces, (the Health Department) and the NCC.
“By now, we should have enough Covid-19 statistics, especially on the prevalence in our country and those that have recovered from different forms of treatment protocols.”
Marape announced recently that the NCC would be disbanded by the end of the year.
He said the Government would entrench the pandemic response and recovery into the country’s healthcare system so that the Health Department could respond better to future pandemic and endemic crisis.
He also directed the NCC to acquit all funds it was given.
He said it was very interesting that the recovery rate in PNG was still above 98 per cent.
Kapavore thanked Marape for the decision to respect people’s choices on vaccination.
He also supported the order for the proper acquittal of Covid-19 funds.