by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV, Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea’s health system needs to be fixed, and needs intervention by political bureaucrats to enable a free flow of well-observed services right to people’s doorsteps.
Chief Executive Officer of World Vision Australia, Tim Costello, in an exclusive interview with EM TV, raised grave concerns regarding PNG’s healthcare system, that should be fixed to stop people from suffering. Political bureaucrats from existing levels of government must work together to ensure efficient and effective health service delivery.
His commen’s were relating to the escalating drug-resistant tuberculosis crisis in Daru, Western province.
Costello said PNG’s health system responsible for addressing Tuberculosis (TB) is currently very fragile and has been worsening in the province while the burden has been growing.
Multi drug-resistant TB and Extensively Drug Resistant TB poses a major threat to an already weak health system in Western province and, if not immediately addressed, will cause major health, political, structural and economic problems.
National Health Deputy Secretary, Dr Paison Dakulala, speaking on EM TV’s Tok Piksa, said the TB crisis in Western province highlights the common inability of PNGs health system and negligence at provincial and local levels.
During parliament last week, National Health Minister, Michael Malabag appealed to all political bureaucrats to work together in combatting the TB epidemic.
Opposition Leader, Don Polye has criticised the national government for failing to quickly intervene and address the TB crisis rather than depending solely on aid donors.