O’Neill Warns Against Diversion and Misuse of Healthcare Funds Under SOE in PNG
The Leader of the People’s National Congress Party, Hon. Peter O’Neill, CMG, MP, has warned of the serious threat unfolding for people with existing health conditions as scarce funds are diverted and potentially misused as part of State of Emergency operations.
Mr. O’Neill said the already limited resources that have been allocated to crucial health programs such as for HIV/Aids, TB, Malaria and support for people with disabilities, must be used as had been intended and properly managed.
“The danger imposed by the potential of the COVID-19 spread is much more serious for people with existing conditions,” Peter O’Neill said.
“People in our community with existing health problems are even more vulnerable to falling seriously ill if they contract Coronavirus.
“Those who have low immunity, people who are already frail, have existing damage to their lungs or are weakened by other conditions, need our continuing support so they have a better chance of survival.
“Funding for the National Aids Council Secretariat, for ongoing Drug Resistant TB Emergency Operations and the building of TB clinics in rural areas, and the Institute of Medical Research must receive their full allocations.
“Tens of millions of Kina have been allocated in the 2020 National Budget, as well as from partner country and international organisation support for specific purposes.
“There is no excuse for money that has been approved for the care of people and for medications being diverted to fund SOE expenditure.
“Our healthcare providers, as well as partner organisations, churches and other stakeholders must be vigilant to ensure funds are properly administered.”
Mr. O’Neill highlighted the numerous and well publicised concerns made by Leaders and the public over the misuse of SOE funding.
“Every day in both the mass media and on social media, we see reports of money being wasted on hire cars, media advisors and other expenditure that is not needed.
“This money must be properly allocated such as for the purchase of personal protection equipment for our health workers, testing equipment, ventilators for very sick patients and other essential healthcare needs.
“Every Kina that is allocated to the COVID-19 response must be used for health purposes only.”
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Mr. O’Neill said the already limited resources that have been allocated to crucial health programs such as for HIV/Aids, TB, Malaria and support for people with disabilities, must be used as had been intended and properly managed.
“The danger imposed by the potential of the COVID-19 spread is much more serious for people with existing conditions,” Peter O’Neill said.“People in our community with existing health problems are even more vulnerable to falling seriously ill if they contract Coronavirus.
“Those who have low immunity, people who are already frail, have existing damage to their lungs or are weakened by other conditions, need our continuing support so they have a better chance of survival.
“Funding for the National Aids Council Secretariat, for ongoing Drug Resistant TB Emergency Operations and the building of TB clinics in rural areas, and the Institute of Medical Research must receive their full allocations.
“Tens of millions of Kina have been allocated in the 2020 National Budget, as well as from partner country and international organisation support for specific purposes.
“There is no excuse for money that has been approved for the care of people and for medications being diverted to fund SOE expenditure.
“Our healthcare providers, as well as partner organisations, churches and other stakeholders must be vigilant to ensure funds are properly administered.”
Mr. O’Neill highlighted the numerous and well publicised concerns made by Leaders and the public over the misuse of SOE funding.
“Every day in both the mass media and on social media, we see reports of money being wasted on hire cars, media advisors and other expenditure that is not needed.
“This money must be properly allocated such as for the purchase of personal protection equipment for our health workers, testing equipment, ventilators for very sick patients and other essential healthcare needs.
“Every Kina that is allocated to the COVID-19 response must be used for health purposes only.”
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