“Laws are there to help us be accountable and responsible” said Minister for Health Dr Lino Tom at the Health System Governance and Dervice Delivery Laws Review Consultation in Port Moresby today.
The one week consultation for laws review is hosted by the PNG National Department of health and supported by the World Health Organization with stakeholders from the Department of Justice and Attorney General, Provincial Health Authorities, national agencies and other relevant partners.
Officer in Charge Dr. Challa Ruda spoke on behalf of the WHO representative in Papua New Guinea reaffirming WHOs commitment to supporting the PNG government, and emphasizing the importance of law reviews for health system strengthening and imrpoved healthcare and coverage.
Dr. Genevieve Howse, Coordinator for Health Law & Ethics Team at the WHO Western Pacific Regional Office presented on the health reforms happening in the region. Dr. Howse was also asked to present on the uniqueness of the PNG health system and provide background on the law review, and recommendations on law reform that came out of initial reform efforts in 2018/2019.
The review gives effect to the National Health Plan in supporting the Ministry’s efforts towards equitable access to quality healthcare services across the nation through improved service delivery and response capabilities in times of crisis like the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
This review aims to clarify clear roles and responsibilities of health system actors, promote accountable agencies in the health system to enable service delivery and facilitate partnerships between national agencies, provincial authorities, and partners in health service delivery.