MEDICAL SHORTAGES MUST END, SAYS DR BILLY

CAPTION: Newly appointed Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph.

BY RAYLEEN WANJIMAN

THE newly appointed Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph says the issue with medical Shortage across Papua New Guinea’s health system must end with major reforms to strengthen medical procurement.

Speaking at the opening of the 3rd Port Moresby General Hospital Clinical Nursing Symposium today, Health Minister Dr Joseph said medicine availability at Level 1 to Level 3 health facilities currently stands at just 48%.

With the rate he said his goal is to increase that to 80% before he leaves office, ensuring health workers have the medicines and consumables they need to provide quality care to every citizens.

The Minister also announced plans to seek Cabinet approval to establish an independent PNG Medical Supplies Authority to manage the country’s full medical supply chain and improve the delivery of essential medicines nationwide.

Dr Joseph stressed that strengthening the supply of medicines is a key step towards improving health outcomes and restoring public confidence in the country’s health system.