Health Minister Micheal Malabag is pleased with the allocation of the 2016 budget to the health sector.
Health received the third largest share with a total of K1, 565.9 million or 11 per cent of the 2016 budget which is set at K14.2 billion.
The key Health expenses include: Drugs and medical supplies K151 million; church health grants K26 million, free health care K20 million, HIV/AIDS treatment drugs K14.1 million and medical equipment K5.6 million.
Malabag said in a statement that he was proud to be a member of a Government committed to long term economic stability while always keeping the health and welfare of the people in mind.
He said that although there were some reductions which had to be worked through, overall the budget delivered on the priorities in the health system.
In terms of funding capital investment in the Department of Health, Malabag was very happy to see K2 million of GoPNG funding for medical equipment replacement for district and rural health services.
K2 million was allocated for development/ establishment of community health posts, and an additional K2 million towards child health and nutrition through the Young Child Survival and Development Project.
Malabag was also grateful for the K299 millions of Development Partner support to the department including grant assistance from UN and USAID.
He was happy to see the continued support from ADB to the Rural Primary Health Service Delivery Programme.