Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has commended the Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (SHP PHA) as a model of excellence among Provincial Health Authorities across Papua New Guinea, for its work in delivering Health services to rural and remote communities through the prudent and responsible use of National Government funding.

Speaking from New York, United States today amidst attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Prime Minister Marape expressed his appreciation to the SHP PHA, its Chairman Mr Augustine Mano, and his Board, as well as Minister for Health Hon. Elias Kapavore, for their leadership and for the recent official opening of the newly-upgraded Ialibu District Hospital in Ialibu town, Southern Highlands Province.

The Prime Minister applauded the leadership and commitment shown by SHP PHA in ensuring that Health Care reaches rural communities without waiting on financial support from Provincial Governments or District Development Authorities (DDAs). “The Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority has shown what can be achieved when funds from the National Budget are used responsibly and effectively,” he said. “For the past three years, the SHP PHA—with strong guidance from Chairman Augustine Mano and his Board—has operated successfully with funding directly from the National Government. They have not depended on their Provincial Government or DDAs, yet they are delivering vital services and saving lives in some of the most remote parts of our country.”

He noted that K3.7 million was allocated by the National Government to upgrade the Ialibu facility into a fully-fledged District Hospital, and that surgical operations have already been carried out successfully at the new Hospital—a major step forward in improving Health services in the Province.

“This Hospital stands as proof that Government support, when used well, can make a real difference,” Prime Minister Marape stated. “Our people deserve access to Health Care ‘within one hour of where they live’. This is the policy focus of the Marape-Rosso Government, and I am proud to see the SHP PHA demonstrating that it is possible.”

As PNG continues to strive to overcome Health challenges, including to reduce its Maternal Mortality Ratio to meet global targets (United Nations Population Fund data), PM Marape says PNG goes into its next chapter as a nation after 50 years with a bold vision to greatly improve Health Care access to the people and the country’s standing in Health statistics globally.

“All these statistics tell us that many of our people are still far away from routine access to safe Health services, especially mothers, newborns, children under five, and those living in remote districts,” the Prime Minister said. “So when I see SHP PHA doing this work—opening a District Hospital, performing surgery, serving remote communities—it gives me confidence that we are making real progress toward our development goals, toward meeting the Sustainable Development Goals that call on us to reduce Maternal Mortality, reduce Deaths among Children, improve Health for all, and lift Healthy Life Expectancy.”

He reiterated that ensuring access to Health Care is not only a national priority but essential to PNG achieving its Development Goals and fulfilling its commitments under global Health frameworks. “Our Government’s goal is simple but ambitious: every citizen must be able to access Basic Health Care ‘within one hour of their home’. We are not waiting for big money to make this possible. We are using the resources we have today to deliver meaningful outcomes for our people.”

Prime Minister Marape called on all Provincial Governments and DDAs to follow the example of SHP PHA, and to support their PHAs proactively—matching or complementing the National Government’s Budget allocations so that District Hospitals and Rural Health Centres are fully functional and sustainable.

“I commend SHP PHA, Chairman Augustine Mano and his Board, for their leadership and performance,” he said. “This is the type of proactive work we want to see in every Province. Provincial Governments and DDAs must step up and match the National Government’s allocations by providing additional support. Together, we can ensure that District Hospitals function properly, relieve pressure on Provincial Hospitals, and build a strong bridge between our National, Provincial, and Rural Health Care systems.”

He concluded: “This is how we deliver rural Primary Health Care to the masses of our people. The Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority is a great example, and I encourage all other PHAs across the country to follow their lead. Our people cannot wait, and with the right use of resources, we can change lives today.”