Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs)

The Provincial Health Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2023, which was introduced in Parliament on Wednesday by the Prime Minister and acting Health Minister, James Marape, bridges that gap.

Principal legal officer of the National Department of Health, Margret Asinimbu, pointed out the disconnect, which impedes on effective health service delivery.

Speaking during the swearing in of the nine board members of the Morobe Provincial Health Authority yesterday, Asinimbu highlighted the role of the ex officio member and provincial administrator, Max Bruten.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the substantial evolution within the healthcare sector over the years and underscored the necessity for updated legislation to align with these transformations.

Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, PM Marape introduced the Provincial Health Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2023. The bill, which garnered unanimous support from Parliament, aims to amend the Provincial Health Authorities Act (2007), the legislation that established the framework for the 21 Provincial Health Authorities and Boards operating in the provinces.

He told Chief Executive Officers of 22 Provincial Health Authorities during a recent health meet. The Prime Minister adding that the COVID-19 pandemic had intensified the deficiency PNG has in its healthcare sector over these years.