Southern Highlands is the 7th province to enter into an agreement for the setup of its Provincial Health Authority.
The agreement unifies the rural health and the public health under one management.
This health reform has already been trialed in the Western Highlands, Milne Bay, Eastern Highlands, and Eastern Highlands.
The partnership agreement between the provincial government, and the department was signed today.
Those present at the signing ceremony in Port Moresby, were Health and HIV/AIDS Minister, Michael Malabag, Southern Highlands Governor, William Powi, Health Secretary, Pascoe Kase, representatives from the province, and the department.
Southern Highlands is the 7th province, to embrace the Provincial Health Authorities Act, 2007. This agreement now sanctions the establishment of Provincial Health Authority administrative and operational functions.
It signifies the transfer of powers from the department of health and the provincial government’s hold, on rural health services to one body, the provincial health authority.
Governor Powi says his government is determined and prepared for this change.
Powi said in order for quality health service reaching the people, there needs to be constant consultation with national government agencies.
Southern Highlands provincial government has committed to put K10 million every year, to rebuild health infrastructure. The Health department says already established health authorities are showing improved results.
Secretary Kase said the reform is addressing the problems of poor health indicators the country is experiencing.
By the end of 2014, the department aims to have 12 provinces fully implementing the government’s legislative reform.
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