Research done on the state of health and education standards in Southern Highlands Province has highlighted critical areas that contribute to falling standards in the province.
One barrier contributed is lack of inspection by concerned authorities in both sectors, among others.
Government representatives acknowledged these findings and said similar scenarios existed around the country and need government intervention.
Health and education standards in Southern Highlands Province have fallen drastically over the years.
Decreasing numbers of students are making it into universities and tertiary institutions each year and more aid posts, health centres and rural hospitals have been closed over the years.
From the 134 aid posts in the province, 88 have since closed and only 46 are struggling to provide some form of health care in the most rural parts of the province.
This prompted the provincial government, through the leadership of Governor William Powi, to institute a study to find out what was wrong.
The findings from this study were launched today in Port Moresby.
The consultants engaged in carrying out this study presented overwhelming findings on why the health and education standards in the province were falling and what can be done about it.
Governor Powi said these sectors need intervention from all stakeholders, including the provincial and national government.
Education Minister Nick Kuman said the findings represented what was happening right across the country and called on leaders to give attention to these two areas.
Acting Prime Minister Leo Dion commended the provincial government for their efforts to carry out this study and said the government was committed to ensuring these sectors are improved in the coming years.
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