iNNThe Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority has achieved a significant milestone in strengthening financial management with the rollout of the Integrated Financial Management System.
This Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority’s (SHPHA) first official cheque printout through the system, alongside its first Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
The Integrated Financial Management System is a centralized government platform designed to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in financial operations. In Papua New Guinea, its adoption is a cornerstone of public sector reform, ensuring that funds are properly managed and aligned with national priorities. For the health sector, IFMS is particularly critical as it links financial resources directly to health facilities, enables facility-based budgeting to ensure funds reach frontline services and strengthens accountability in health service delivery.
CEO of SHPHA, Dr. Joseph Birisi, expressed gratitude for this mile stone.
“We might be the last to roll out the system, but the best is set for the last,” Dr. Birisi said.
“I thank my hardworking team for their efforts in planning and organizing this successful implementation.”
Representing the dedicated staff, Martina Suve-Hohora also highlighted the importance of linking financial systems to health outcomes.
“The system is one thing, but what is in the system is us. We wanted to ensure our money is linked to facilities for achieving health outcomes and meeting national health plan indicators,” Suve-Hohora.
She further commended SHPHA under Dr. Birisi’s leadership for its technical input in organizing the Chart of Accounts:
“Southern Highlands PHA has made a full contribution as part of the technical working group for Chart of Accounts standardization. The final draft was discussed and incorporated into SHPHA’s Chart of Accounts, ensuring funds reach right down to community health posts. I congratulate the team for adopting the final draft, which will be presented to the eight PHAs in the technical working group. Once endorsed, SHPHA will lead the rollout of this chart.”
SHPHA’s rollout contributes significantly to the national implementation of IFMS within the health sector.
The PHA is now rolling out the IFMS as they continue to serve the people with dedication and commitment.
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