Newly appointed CEO of the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority Dr Stennard Hiashiri made his first official address to the New Ireland Provincial Executive Council today.
Top of his priority is to create a 100 day health management plan to ensure the PHA is effective in its role as an administrator of health in the province. He said he would outline the plan during the next Provincial Executive Council meeting after he sits with his board and makes a thorough assessment of the PHA.
“It will be a tedious task but we have to totally bulldoze and cleanup the NI PHA. We have to put the right policy frame works in place and ensure the right tools are being used to effectively administer health in the province,” said Dr Stennard.
He also said he would ensure that the 32 health facilities including the Tinkoris medical centre set up by the New Ireland Government are fully functioning to serve the people.
New Ireland Governor Sir Julius Chan welcoming Dr Stennards remarks said his government would like to see the NI PHA become more decentralized, working in partnership with the New Ireland Government to better manage health in the province.
He encouraged Dr Stennard to embrace the New Ireland Governments vision of providing free Primary Health care to all New Irelanders which was one of Sir J’s election promises. “When you are drafting your 100 day plan also incorporate my Governments Free Primary Health policy. Chart an entire 5 year plan that will set the course for the years ahead,” said Sir J.
Sir J also highlighted his government’s desire to establish mobile health services including a floating clinic to serve the majority of New Irelanders living on remote Islands.