The National Department of Health (NDoH) sworn in a total of nineteen new members of the National Health Board of Papua New Guinea today.
The event saw members of the Senior Executive Management of the NDoH as well as representatives from development partners and senior health officials.
Minister for Health Elias Kapavore who was present to officially commission the new board, said that this occasion, marked an important milestone in their ongoing efforts to strengthen the governance and policy oversight body in the health sector.
“Its establishment functions and powers are derived from the National Health Administration Act 1997, as amended in 2023, which provides the legal framework for effective coordination, accountability, and strategic direction across the national health system.”
According to Minister Kapavore, under Section 8 to 10 of the Act, the Board is mandated to advise the Minister for Health on health policy matters, approve the National Health Plan and other sectoral policies/plans, monitor their implementation, and promote collaboration between government, churches, the private sector, civil society, and the provincial health authorities.
“The Board plays a central role in shaping the direction of our health system ensuring that every decision taken at the national level contributes to better health outcomes for our people.”
In addition, Minister Kapavore also acknowledged the outgoing Board which served with dedication from 2021 to 2024.
Under their leadership of former Chairman Dr Osborne Liko, major policy frameworks were endorsed including the National Health Plan 2021-2030, the revised National Health Service Standards 2021-2030 the Health Medium Term Development Plan 2023-2027, the National Maternal and Newborn Health Strategy, and the National Strategic Plan for Tuberculosis 2023-2027, among many others.
“Their commitment provided stability and strategic focus during a period marked by significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing health system reforms.”
“On behalf of the Government, I extend my sincere appreciation to all members of the outgoing Board for their service to our nation.”
The Commissioning of the Board also saw the swearing in of Private Health Representative Dr. Mathias Sapuri as the new Chairman.
Other members of the new board included:
• Mr. Ken Wai, Acting Secretary for Health (ex officio)
• Mr. John Wohiemani, Department of Finance
• Mr. E'ava Geita, Department of Justice and Attorney General
• Mr. Philip Leo, Department of Provincial & Local Government Affairs
• Dr Sergie Bang, Department of Agriculture & Livestock
• Mr. Jude Tukuliya, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority
• Professor William Pomat, Director, PNG Institute of Medical Research
• Mr. Ulch Tapia, CEO, Churches Health Services of PNG
• Mr. David Guinn, PNG Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Mrs. Sabeth Yengis, National Council of Women
• Ms. Katherine Johnston, Public Hospitals Representative
• Dr Paul Sali, PNG Medical Board and Nursing Council
• Mr. David Wissink, Provincial Health Authority Representative
• Sr Jadwiga Faliszek, Catholic Church Health Services
• Ms. Arianne Kassman, Transparency International PNG (Civil Society Representative)
Minister Kapavore welcomed all new members and urged that all work in partnership to strengthen the delivery of quality health care services in the country.
Furthermore, he stated that the Government expects the new Board to uphold the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and professionalism.
“Your leadership will be critical in guiding the implementation of the National Health Plan 2021-2030, driving reforms under the National Health Administration (Amendment) Act 2023, and ensuring alignment with our broader development priorities under the Medium-Term Development Plan IV.”
“As Minister, I pledge the full support of my Office and the National Department of Health.”
“Let us work in true partnership to strengthen the delivery of quality health services and to ensure that no Papua New Guinean is left behind in accessing essential healthcare.”
