PNG Health Minister orders closer scrutiny of Provincial Health Authorities

Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph

Papua New Guinea's Provincial Health Authorities will face closer performance monitoring after Health Minister Dr Billy Joseph directed all PHA Boards to provide detailed information on their governance, financial management and service delivery.

The move follows Prime Minister James Marape's directive aimed at strengthening accountability across the public sector, with the Health Minister saying the exercise will help improve oversight and raise standards throughout the country's health system.

 

 

Dr Joseph said he had written to every Provincial Health Authority Board requesting information that goes beyond the Annual Management Reports, including details on governance, financial performance, delivery of health services and progress against key health indicators.

He said Annual Management Reports remained an essential accountability tool but should not be treated as a routine administrative requirement.

According to the Minister, the information requested will provide a clearer picture of how each Provincial Health Authority is performing and what measures Boards are taking to address challenges affecting healthcare delivery.

He said the findings would help determine whether Boards were fulfilling their responsibilities under the Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007.

Dr Joseph said Boards demonstrating sound leadership, effective governance and proper oversight would continue to receive the Government's support.

However, he warned that Boards failing to meet their obligations could face action in accordance with the law.

The Minister said improving governance and accountability remained a priority in efforts to strengthen health services across Papua New Guinea.

"Provincial Health Authority Boards are responsible for the governance, financial oversight and performance of their Provincial Health Authorities, and ultimately for ensuring better health services are delivered to the people of Papua New Guinea."

"The information provided by Boards will inform my assessment of their performance and any future decisions I make under the Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007. Where Boards are providing effective leadership and oversight, they will continue to receive our full support. Where they are not meeting their responsibilities, I will not hesitate to take action in accordance with the law."

"This is not simply about reports. It is about ensuring every Provincial Health Authority Board is exercising its responsibilities effectively so that our hospitals, health centres and frontline health services deliver the quality of care our people deserve."