By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Papua New Guinea Medical Board is responsible for all health professionals working in the country’s health system – it is also responsible for the registration and licensing of private health facilities, as well as developing standards and upgrading procedures for the health professionals.
Recently, questions were raised regarding the Board’s performance, particularly that of its Chairman.
In a series of questions to the Health Minister, Maprik MP John Simon questioned the association between the PNG Medical Board and a leading Private Health provider in the country – given that the current Chairman of the Medical Board was also consulting at this private hospital.
Mr Simon also questioned the process in which the current Chairman was appointed.
In responding, Health Minister Sir Puka Temu stood by the Medical Board – saying given the important role of the medical board in regulating all medical practitioners, the Board continued to be strict, especially under the current Board Chairman – which he said was positive for the medical profession in country.
Minister Sir Puka, however, mooted impending changes to the country’s Medical Registration Bill, to make it more conducive to the changing medical environment in Papua New Guinea.
The amendment aims to include the regulation of medical practitioners engaged by private companies, as well as NGO’s.
