Midterm review finds Health Plan sluggish: Malabag

By MATTHEW VARI

Sunday, August 28, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)

WITH its fifth year of implementation in 2015, Minister for Health and HIV AIDS, Michael Malabag, has reported to that the National Health Plan 2011-2020 has been sluggish.

He said, in his department’s 2015 Annual Management Report, that despite the achievements of the National Government in initiating the Free Primary Health Care and Subsidized Specialist Services Policy, the midterm review found issues that need attention.

“A team of international and national experts conducted a midterm review and joint assessment of the plan,” Malabag said.

“The findings of the review, revealed that the health gains over the last five years has been sluggish, however, there were clear achievements in priority areas such as maternal and child health, immunization and disease control.”

“My ministry has analysed the findings and recommendations of the mid-term review and is developing strategic priorities for the next five years to address the sluggish progress and provide tangible health outcomes for 2020.”

He said that the health plan strategic priorities for 2016-2020 include leadership governance partnerships, human resource planning and development, improved medical supply procurement and distribution, rehabilitation and redevelopment of health infrastructure, PHA (Provincial Health Authority) reform and , health system improvement including health financing, ICT and performance monitoring.

The minister also made a call to all members of parliament to support his ministry to implement the priorities in health facilities in the various districts and provinces.

“From a national budget of K16.1 billion last year the health sector was given K1.7 billion equates to 10% of the National Budget,” Malabag said.

“This included K6.14 million for NDoH (National Department of Health), K726 million for hospitals , K149 million for Church Health Services, K155.2 million for PHAs, K98.9 million for provincial Health Functional Grants, K8.8 million for National AIDS Council and K10 million for the PNG Institute of Medical Research.”

“There have consistent increases in the health sector in the last four years and I commend the government for its commitment in the health sector.”

He pointed out with the free primary healthcare and subsidised specialist services policy has seen more people visiting outpatient facilities across the country, calling on key financing agencies like Treasury and Finance to provide funding allocated in an appropriate manner.

“However, the health systems have overloaded and we need to do more to support this policy shift.”

“For the record if the health sector was given appropriated budget in a timely manner than the additional K20 million earmarked for this policy would not be required.”

“May I request the good minister for treasury and finance to release 40 per cent of the health sector budget for the last first quarter of 2016, 30% in the second quarter, 20% in the third quarter, and 10% in the last quarter in timely manner.”

“If that happens I guarantee you that the health sector will not need any additional funding under this policy and user fees at health facilities will be a thing of the past.” Minister Malabag added.