WEDNESDAY, August 13, marked the opening of a two-day dialogue between the Special Parliamentary Committee on Health Matters (SPCHM) and the visiting Philippine Health-Tourism delegation.
According to the committee chairman and Bogia Member of Parliament (MP), Robert Naguri, the delegation’s visit is to help identify solutions through strategic discussions to counter the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, cancer, and diabetes in Papua New Guinea.
“The committee’s key responsibility is to identify shortcomings in Papua New Guinea’s health system and compile recommendations for Parliament, thereby hosting delegations such as the Philippine Health-Tourism team forms part of a broader, long-term strategy,” he said.
“Such engagements are aimed at learning from well-established health systems abroad and drawing on their recommendations, ideas, and strategies to counter existing gaps in PNG’s healthcare delivery.”
Day one centred on strategic discussions and experience-sharing.
Notable contributions came from East Sepik Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officer Mathew Kaluvia, Port Moresby General Hospital CEO Dr Paki Molumi, and Paradise International Hospital CEO Dr Polapoi Chalau, who provided valuable insights into the current health landscape of PNG.
Mr Naguri said gaps in the country’s health system must first be addressed before bringing in external assistance from foreign partners, such as the Philippines.
The idea was initially put on the table during the SPCHM and Dr Molumi’s visit to the Philippines in April last year.
They met with leading joint commission international-accredited hospitals such as Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, The National Kidney and Transplant Institute and the Philippine Heart Institute.
These institutions provide world class care advanced treatment capacity and recognised specialised training.
