By Staycey Yalo, EMTV News, Port Moresby
A New Medicine Quality Control Laboratory facility was commissioned today by Health and HIV & Aids Minister, Dr. Puka Temu.
This facility is the first in PNG and in the Pacific where all medicines coming into the country will be tested, before being distributed throughout PNG.
Health Minister Dr. Temu, said his vision as the minister, is in line with the government to provide better health services for the people.
He says he hopes that the new facility, once fully operational, will be accredited by the World Health Organization as the Pacific Medicines Quality testing Lab.
The facility is said to be a milestone for PNG as it will be used to test all medicines imported into PNG.
The Australia’s Foreign Affairs Department’s, Health Counsellor, congratulated the National Health Department and partners for working to improving access to proper care.
She said Australia is committed to working with Government of PNG to improve health care in PNG and the development of this new facility saw DFAT’s contribution of US$3 Million.
Minister responsible for health, Sir Puka said drug resistant is an UN agenda and the facility is a milestone. He said a nation must protect its own people from products that do not meet Global Standards.
Temu thanked the Government for committing K1.5 Billion of the 2018 budget to the Health Sector.
A sum of K266 million be committed for medical supplies alone next year.
