Health Minister Sir Puka Temu is urging TB patients to take their medical drugs on time rather than delaying.
Sir Puka said that has been the challenge for the Department to minimise the TB epidemic. He said the O’Neill-Abel Government will continue to prioritise treatment for TB patients in the country.
“I urge patients to follow treatment times when getting their dose,” said Temu.
According to a 2016 report by World Health Organisation, Tuberculosis is responsible for more deaths than HIV and Malaria globally. In Papua New Guinea the success rate of treatment is 67%.
The Health Minister said if TB patients can improve their consistency when taking their dose, the report can see improvement.
Over K400 million in funding was allocated by the O’Neill-Dion Government to eradicate TB cases mostly in the Southern Region. However Health statistics indicates a climb in numbers for cases in Mt Hagen, West New Britain and Morobe.
Minister Temu said sufficient funding will be allocated in the Supplementary Budget.
“The budget break-up is under discussions and TB will come under the Health Sector funding,” said Minister Temu.
