Health Minister

Our people are subjected to higher risks of contracting diseases and less access to quality healthcare.

Health Minister, Dr Puka Temu, said this during the opening of the new Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences lecture building at the Divine Word University in Madang.

“Through the government strategic plan and investment in higher education like DWU, we hope to enhance the health care delivery in remote areas of this land.”

In a circular number 66/2017 dated on August 15, 2017, Sir Puka said recent media statements released by health officials have created fear amongst the community.

He said such statements have not been reported out of proportion without careful thought and sufficient evidence.

"This has tarnished and defamed a lot of personal at all health levels.

"I now instruct and direct that no individual health worker or chief executive officer or management and boards at all levels shall provide any information of health matters and/or issues, to any means of media.

The Bill was passed 64 – 0 and repeals the Tobacco Products (Health Control) Act 1987.

Health Minister, Michael Malabag, when making the second and third reading of the Bill, said the former Act was 30 years old and an enhanced Government response was necessary to address the direct costs to individuals and the government.

He said there is a sharp increase in non-communicable diseases, particularly heart diseases, diabetes and cancers which are knownto be closely associated with cigarette smoking and exposure to it.