The Head of Health in Hela said the province needs a new Health system and Management.
Dr. James Kintuo said the current system does not meet standards, with most services run by church organisations. Dr. Kintuo aired his concerns during a visit by the three political leaders of the Province.
In a brief presentation to the three leaders, Dr Kintuo said Hela urgently needed to improve the current level of health service delivery across the Districts with Tari Hospital to begin with.
Dr. Kintuo said the current Provincial Health Authority is not backed by proper facilities including a sound management system.
Since 2008, Medicin San Frontiers or Doctors Without Borders have helped deliver services, but to an extent. MFS exited with Oil Search taking the lead.
Hela has a growth rate of 2.7 % with 70 of services delivered by Church led organizations.
Governor Philip Undialu said, for a start, a Health Plan or framework must be drafted. He said this must be completed by 2017. The meet has prompted stakeholders to create a reliable health system capable of serving Hela’s growing population. To achieve this, health services need to be raised to Level 3 in rural communities, and Level 5 at Tari Hospital.
Hela Province established its Provincial Health Authority Board in 2015. However funds are not easily accessed and managed by this independent entity.
