Wong says health sector received K1bil for Covid-19

THE health sector has received K1.08 billion to manage the Coronavirus (Covid-19) preparedness and response efforts so far, says Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Jelta Wong.
The Government contributed K115.6 million and the rest given by partners, including banks.
“While we have been constrained by financial challenges and a reduced workforce, the collaborative efforts and contribution across the Government, development partners and private sector has been invaluable and has supported PNG’s preparedness and response,” Wong said.
“Much of the partners’ support was in kind, meaning the money was paid to the United Nations Office for Project Services, United Nations Children’s Fund and others to purchase respirators, incinerators, personal protective equipment and other medical equipment.”
He said in terms of cash, the Government gave K115.6 million and development partners contributed K58.6 million, adding up to K174.2 million. “These funds were managed through the health sector improvement programme trust account,” Wong said.
“Included in this is K13.9 million for the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.”
The provincial health authorities and the Port Moresby General Hospital received K74.3 million.
The rest was paid for to support areas such as contact tracing, call centre and logistics at the national level.