In response to the petition from the health workers of Modilon General Hospital, Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom said he received the petition from the doctors and nurses who have raised significant concerns in regard to the Madang Provincial Health Authority (PHA). “I take all reports of misgovernance extremely seriously”, said Dr. Tom. He said, PHAs were established to decentralize the management and delivery of healthcare services to the provincial and district level, and aimed at improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of healthcare delivery. PHAs are governed by a board of directors appointed by the Provincial Government, with representation across different sectors, as mandated by law. “Sound governance is essential for a functional PHA; and transparency and accountability are core values. And these apply to both the establishment and operations of a PHA Board.” Upon received the petition, Dr. Tom had asked his Department to investigate the main areas highlighted in the petition, and they have provided the following advice: 1. The Madang PHA Board has not demonstrated that a transparent, merit-based appointment process was used to recruit its current CEO. 2. The nominations for PHA Board Members submitted to date have not met the requirements for fit and proper persons from respective sectors, as stipulated in the PHA Act 2007. As these legal requirements were not met, two Cabinet Submissions for the Madang PHA Board have been rejected. “I am committed to addressing these serious issues related to health service delivery in Madang. PHAs have a responsibility to ensure that our health workers can provide quality care in a safe environment that is fit for purpose.” “This has an impact on the health outcomes of our patients too.” “It is imperative that we have strong governance in place to support effective health service delivery at the Provincial and District levels.” “As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that Board appointments are merit-based and comply with the law.” He added that, a new Madang PHA Board submission will be considered by Cabinet shortly. As soon as the Board members have been commissioned, their responsibility will be to review the performance of the Madang PHA CEO and senior executive team and take action accordingly. “I also strongly encourage the Madang PHA Board and other PHA Boards across the country, to conduct an external audit into your operations over the past five years.” “This is crucial for accountability and quality assurance.” “I would like to assure the health workers at Modilon General Hospital that I have heard your concerns around the sub-optimal health facility standards and environment to safely provide essential health services, and that I will continue to follow-up on this at the highest levels, until the outstanding Madang PHA Board and governance issues have been addressed.”