SAH Consultancy Services

12/12/2025

In accordance with PNG’s Medicines & Cosmetics Act 2016 (Amended) and relevant consumer protection bylaws, it is illegal to sell, distribute, or market products that are misrepresented or counterfeit, particularly those intended for human consumption. Offenders can be prosecuted under provisions that protect the public from fraud, mislabeling, and the sale of unsafe goods.

"We intend to file a formal complaint with the Boroko Police Station and request that the authorities investigate and take immediate action against these individuals. We urge anyone who has been scammed or purchased fake Kawi juice to come forward and assist law enforcement by providing statements and evidence, as affected parties have the legal right to press charges and seek redress." This situation highlights the importance of compliance with PNG’s regulatory framework, which ensures that consumer rights are upheld and public health is safeguarded. Law enforcement agencies, in coordination with health and consumer protection authorities, have the mandate to prosecute such offenses under the relevant bylaws.

12/12/2025

Empowering Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) with decentralized procurement functions is an important step toward strengthening service delivery and improving responsiveness within the health sector. PHAs are closest to the operational realities on the ground and therefore understand better than anyone the specific needs, consumption patterns, and supply challenges affecting health facilities within their provinces. Allowing PHAs to take greater ownership of procurement can support timely acquisition of essential medicines, medical supplies, and equipment. It also promotes greater accountability in ensuring that lifesaving commodities reach frontline facilities without unnecessary delays caused by long, centralised processes.

However, decentralisation must not occur in isolation or without safeguards. Procurement of medical supplies is a highly sensitive function involving public funds, regulated products, and strict quality standards. Without strong oversight and coordination, decentralised procurement can lead to inconsistencies in product quality, duplication of orders, inflated prices, or exposure to substandard and counterfeit medicines in the supply chain. For these reasons, any shift toward greater PHA procurement autonomy must be guided by a robust national policy and regulatory framework.

A regulated national approach ensures that PHAs operate within clearly defined boundaries, procurement procedures, and quality assurance mechanisms. This includes alignment with the National Medicines Policy, the Medicines and Cosmetics Act, Therapeutic Goods regulatory standards, and national procurement guidelines. Central oversight does not mean restricting PHAs, it means guiding them so that every procurement decision meets the same quality, safety, and accountability requirements nationwide. It also creates a unified system for product registration, supplier accreditation, and pharmacovigilance reporting, which protects the integrity of the country’s health supply chain.

In practice, decentralisation within a national framework would allow PHAs to conduct procurement based on local demand forecasts, emergency needs, stock levels, and budget allocations. At the same time, national authorities such as the National Department of Health (NDoH), MSPD, PSSB and other regulatory bodies provide the standards, approved supplier lists, monitoring systems, and auditing processes that ensure transparency and nationwide consistency.

This balanced approach also strengthens the partnership between national and provincial health structures. The national system ensures uniformity, while PHAs provide local agility. Together, they reduce system bottlenecks, improve accountability, and enhance the reliability of medical supply delivery to rural and urban facilities.

Ultimately, the goal is not to shift power from one level to another, but to harmonise procurement roles in a way that benefits patients and frontline health services. When decentralisation is guided by strong national regulation, PHAs can become more effective, more responsive, and more accountable contributing to a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for the country.

11/12/2025

The recent announcement by Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) regarding plans to establish a Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre in collaboration with the China Medical Team and the city of Chongqing is a noteworthy development for Papua New Guinea’s health sector. This initiative demonstrates a willingness to explore complementary approaches to healthcare and reflects the global trend towards integrating traditional medicine into Mainstream Health Service Delivery. While this represents an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and clinical collaboration, it also prompts reflection on how PNG can strengthen its own systems to ensure the safe and effective use of both foreign and local traditional practices.

Papua New Guinea has long recognised the significance of traditional healing in community health, and this is reflected in the National Traditional Medicine (TRM) Policy 2007. The TRM Policy provides the strategic direction for documenting traditional knowledge, promoting safe practices, and encouraging research into the medicinal properties of local plants and healing methods. It also aims to guide the gradual and regulated integration of appropriate Traditional Medicine into the National Health System. Importantly, the policy underscores the need for collaboration, mutual respect, and the acknowledgement of traditional practitioners as valuable partners in the broader healthcare landscape.

In parallel, the Medicines and Cosmetics Act 1999, supported by its regulations 2002, forms the legal backbone for ensuring the safety, quality, and efficacy of all medicinal products circulating in PNG. This legislation applies not only to conventional pharmaceutical products but also to herbal remedies, natural health products, and imported traditional medicines. Under this framework, all therapeutic products must undergo product registration through the National Department of Health, PSSB before they can be used, sold, or distributed within the country. The registration process includes a review of product composition, manufacturing standards, clinical claims, labelling, and potential safety risks. This ensures that the public is protected and that all health products meet minimum standards consistent with national and international expectations.

The PMGH initiative therefore brings renewed attention to the importance of fully implementing and strengthening these existing frameworks. For any traditional medicine whether international or local to be safely incorporated into our fragile healthcare system, regulation must be consistent, transparent, and aligned with national policies. Strengthening oversight, improving laboratory and regulatory capacity, and fostering structured pathways for collaboration will allow PNG to embrace complementary health innovations without compromising patient safety or public trust.

Once these systems are reinforced and effectively operational, PNG will be in a stronger position to meaningfully support its own traditional practitioners and herbalists. Clear guidelines, recognised training pathways, proper registration of products, and evidence-based research will help elevate local traditional medicine in a professional and credible manner. At the same time, it will ensure that foreign traditional medicine practices introduced into PNG respect and comply with the same standards.

Ultimately, the PMGH initiative presents an opportunity not only for international partnership but also for strengthening national regulatory mechanisms that safeguard public health while honouring PNG’s rich heritage of traditional knowledge and practices as well that has already documented and research is still ongoing.

29/10/2025

《《🇵🇬 A National Health Crisis That Demands Accountability and Reform》》

By Lorraine Francis | PNG SUN


Papua New Guinea’s ongoing shortage of medical drugs and supplies has again reached the national stage, drawing urgent attention in Parliament this week. Opposition Leader and Member for Kiriwina-Goodenough, Douglas Tomuriesa, raised what he described as a “critical national health emergency”, citing widespread reports of medicine shortages across hospitals, clinics, and aid posts.

Mr. Tomuriesa, during Questions Without Notice, expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis, urging the government to act swiftly and decisively. He told Parliament that within the past three weeks, there have been alarming shortages nationwide, with multiple Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) issuing formal notices of critical stockouts. He referenced experiences from Alotau General Hospital, Hela, and Lutheran Church health services, warning that “deaths are happening from curable diseases” is an indictment of systemic failure in service delivery.

He asked the government to clarify whether the crisis stemmed from lack of funding or mismanagement within the National Department of Health (NDoH).
“Are we short of money, or is there a management issue inside the department? What is happening with the health budget? Has it been diverted to other sectors? Our people’s lives are important, and we cannot continue to allow this shortage to affect hospitals, health centres, clinics and aid posts,” Mr. Tomuriesa said.
This line of questioning strikes at the heart of a long-standing issue in Papua New Guinea’s health system not merely the absence of resources, but the failure of systems, accountability, and coordination.

[💬 Minister Kapavore’s Response: Not Just About Money]
In response, Minister for Health Elias Kapavore, who is also the MP for Pomio, clarified that the shortage is not primarily due to lack of funds. He stated that the government had allocated K295 million for medical supplies in 2025, of which K150 million had already been disbursed and another K50 million released.

“It’s not so much about funding,” Minister Kapavore told Parliament. “According to the records, our government this year allocated K295 million for medical supplies, and to date we have received K150 million of that amount. We have released another K50 million.

He explained that PNG currently operates through five medical stores, which collectively hold about 60% of required stock levels. A procurement process is underway, with a goal of reaching 70–80% supply capacity across provinces before the year’s end, to sustain operations into the first quarter of 2026.

However, the Minister also pointed to a set of deeper operational and systemic challenges that hinder distribution and availability. These include logistical constraints, theft of medical supplies, and weak communication between regional transit stores, provincial pharmacies, and health facility managers.

“We are trying our best to deliver medical supplies to our transit stores, but logistics remain a major challenge. We have also found that some medical supplies are being stolen and sold in markets,” Minister Kapavore said.

He further emphasized the need for better coordination across all levels of the health system:
“There is a lack of communication between transit stores and provincial pharmacies. They must coordinate properly and inform each other about stock levels before sending out notices. CEOs and health boards must also be informed before curative health directors issue public statements.”

[⚖️ Accountability, Coordination, and Systemic Gaps]
This exchange between the Opposition and the Minister reveals a central truth: Papua New Guinea’s health supply system is struggling not just financially but structurally.

The National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, and regional medical stores operate in a fragmented system often without real-time stock visibility, centralized data sharing, or performance-based accountability. Even when funds are available, weak procurement systems, delays in tendering, and inefficient supply chain management contribute to persistent shortages.

The theft and black-market sale of government-procured medical supplies further complicates the situation. Minister Kapavore’s admission that stolen medicines are appearing in local markets points to serious breaches in inventory control and oversight mechanisms.

In a country where access to essential medicines is already limited by geography, infrastructure, and cost, these failures translate directly into avoidable suffering and loss of life.

The Minister’s call for public cooperation urging citizens to report illegal sales and support safe delivery of supplies along major routes like the Highlands Highway is a welcome step. However, without deeper institutional reform, such appeals will remain reactive rather than preventive.

[🧭 What Must Be Done: Moving from Crisis Management to System Reform]
The current crisis is a symptom of a long-term governance and logistics breakdown. Addressing it will require bold, coordinated reforms built on the following principles:
1. Transparency and Public Accountability – The government should publish quarterly reports on disbursements, procurement progress, and stock levels per province. This promotes public trust and helps identify bottlenecks early.
2. Strengthened Procurement Oversight – Medical procurement must be timely, competitive, and insulated from political interference. The process should be governed by clear standards and monitored by independent bodies.
3. Digital Stock Management Systems – Real-time electronic visibility of inventory across all medical stores and PHAs is crucial. Technology can bridge the communication gap that currently delays replenishment and causes misinformation.
4. Partnerships with Private and Faith-Based Providers – PNG’s public health system can benefit from structured collaboration with private pharmacies, NGOs, and church-run health networks. Models like the City Pharmacy–ESPHA–ESPG partnership can be scaled for efficiency and reliability.
5. Decentralized Decision-Making – Empowering PHAs to manage procurement and stock distribution regionally (with national oversight) could reduce delays caused by centralized bureaucracy.
6. Logistical Investment – Roads, vehicles, and cold chain facilities are fundamental to reaching remote communities. Without improving transport infrastructure, no funding or reform will fully solve the problem.
7. Zero Tolerance for Theft and Diversion – The health sector’s integrity depends on active enforcement. Strengthening the Fraud Squad’s role and ensuring whistleblower protections are critical.

[🌍 The Broader Message: Health Is a Human Right, Not a Commodity]
Behind every statistic or shortage is a human story of a mother unable to get antibiotics for her child, a diabetic waiting for insulin, or a rural health worker improvising treatment without proper drugs. These are not numbers; they are the lived experiences of Papua New Guineans whose health depends on the government’s ability to deliver.

When the Opposition raises questions in Parliament, and the Minister responds, it reflects democracy at work. But beyond debate, citizens expect delivery. The K295 million allocated must translate into actual medicines on shelves, not delayed procurement paperwork or lost consignments.

A modern, resilient health supply chain is not an aspiration it is a national necessity. It requires leadership, collaboration, and integrity at every level of the system. As we near 2026, PNG cannot afford to treat each shortage as a surprise or temporary inconvenience. The nation needs a long-term vision for medical security, underpinned by policy, data, and accountability.

Because at the end of the day, every vial, every tablet, and every supply represents a life that depends on it.

27/10/2025

The concern raised by Dr. Kepas Binga, Chief Executive Officer of MoPHA and ANGAU Memorial General Hospital, deserves serious national attention. His remarks on the ongoing shortage of essential medicines and medical supplies highlight a challenge that extends far beyond Morobe Province. This is a nationwide issue that continues to test the resilience, governance, and coordination capacity of Papua New Guinea’s health system.

ANGAU Memorial General Hospital is not just a provincial facility; it serves as a major referral and teaching hospital, supporting patients from Morobe, the Momase region, the Highlands, and even parts of the Southern & Islands region. When such a key national hospital faces critical shortages of medicines, it underscores the scale and urgency of the challenge confronting the entire country.

The recurring shortage of essential health commodities has become a systemic problem that cannot be resolved through short-term fixes or isolated interventions. While the Ministry of Health and HIV/AIDS and the National Department of Health (NDoH) have been working to reform the procurement and supply chain systems particularly through the Medical Supplies Procurement Division (MSPD), implementation challenges remain significant.

Dr. Binga’s statement reflects what many frontline health professionals across the country have been experiencing: periodic interruptions in medical supply chains caused by delays in procurement, logistical constraints, weak coordination, and limited accountability mechanisms. These operational challenges often lead to critical shortages at hospitals, health centres, clinics and aid posts directly impacting patient care and community confidence in the public health system.

It is important to acknowledge that the Government of Papua New Guinea, under the leadership of Health Minister Hon. Elias Kapavore and senior management within NDoH, has taken steps to bring integrity and compliance back into the procurement system by aligning it with the Public Finance Management Act (1995) and the National Procurement Act (2018). These reforms aim to strengthen transparency, reduce irregularities, and improve efficiency. However, as with any major reform, there will be transitional challenges that need to be carefully managed to prevent service disruption at the facility level.

The situation at ANGAU Memorial Hospital therefore serves as an important indicator of system-wide stress and should prompt a deeper review of the national medical supply chain from the procurement planning and financing, to warehousing, distribution, and accountability at every level. It also presents an opportunity for collaborative problem-solving between NDoH, Provincial Health Authorities, and key partners, including development agencies, donors, and the private sector.

Moving forward, a number of strategic actions could help stabilize and strengthen medicine availability nationwide:
1. Enhancing coordination between NDoH and PHAs by establishing clear communication channels and data-sharing systems to ensure that provincial supply requests, stock levels, and consumption rates are accurately captured and responded to in a timely manner.
2. Strengthening provincial logistics capacity by investing in storage facilities, inventory management systems, and trained personnel at the provincial and district levels to reduce wastage and improve last-mile delivery.
3. Introducing digital stock monitoring systems by implementing e-logistics or digital dashboards for real-time tracking of medicine availability across provinces can help prevent stockouts and enable faster decision-making.
4. Maintaining contingency supply mechanisms by allowing PHAs limited emergency procurement authority, under strict financial oversight, to respond to urgent needs when national-level delays occur.
5. Promoting accountability and transparency by requiring regular publication of national and provincial medicine availability reports can build public trust and provide evidence for policy improvement.
6. Sustaining investment in human resources by recognizing and supporting the role of pharmacists, logistics officers, and supply chain managers who are essential to maintaining a functioning health system.

While reform takes time, the public must be reassured that their health needs remain the highest priority. Effective communication from health authorities, coupled with transparency in reporting and responsiveness to emerging shortages, can help maintain trust and confidence among communities.

It is also crucial to recognize the efforts of frontline health workers who continue to provide care under difficult circumstances. Their commitment to serving patients despite limited resources is commendable and deserves both acknowledgment and tangible support.

Ultimately, ensuring consistent access to essential medicines is not only a matter of logistics but it is a matter of public health security, human rights, and national development. Papua New Guinea’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) depends heavily on the reliability and sustainability of its medical supply system.

Dr. Binga’s comments therefore offer an opportunity for reflection and collective action. The health sector must move forward with a renewed sense of purpose that is guided by evidence, supported by resources, and driven by accountability. Every reform effort must aim to ensure that no patient is denied care due to a lack of essential medicines.

The path ahead requires partnership, transparency, and persistence. By working together, government, PHAs, partners, and communities, Papua New Guinea can strengthen its health system, restore public confidence, and ensure that hospitals like ANGAU Memorial General Hospital continue to deliver the quality care that every citizen deserves.

This is a moment for unity, not blame. A moment for practical action, not political division. A moment to reaffirm that health is not a privilege but it is a fundamental right for all Papua New Guineans. 🇵🇬💊

23/10/2025

🌍💉 WORLD POLIO DAY 2025 | October 24

Theme: “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.”

Today, we stand united with the world to reaffirm our commitment to ending polio once and for all. 🙌
This year’s theme reminds us that no child should be left behind no matter where they live. Every drop counts, every dose matters, and every child deserves a future free from polio. 💪

From the cities to the most remote villages, health workers continue to go the extra mile crossing rivers, climbing mountains, and walking long distances to ensure every child is protected. 👩‍⚕️👶

Let’s show our support by raising awareness, sharing accurate information, and encouraging parents to vaccinate their children. Together, we can make polio history. 🩵

23/10/2025

Hon. Minister Kapavore is right to emphasize compliance and integrity and that’s the foundation of any sustainable system. 👍 But at the same time, our people are feeling the direct impact of these reforms right now leading to empty shelves, delayed treatments, and frustrated health workers. 🏥😔

Reforms are necessary, yes! but implementation must be phased, well-coordinated, and supported so patients don’t suffer while systems are being “fixed.” The Public Finance Management Act and National Procurement Act are important, but the real test is how these laws translate into timely delivery at the last mile. 🚚💊

Transparency + accountability + efficiency = stronger health system. 💪

HEALTH Minister Elias Kapavore says there is currently a shortage of medical supplies at public health facilities around the country because the Health Department is reforming its procurement process.

He said it was not a matter of unavailability of government funding.

Kapavore said the department was trying to bring integrity back into the procurement process, so medicines would be made available by complying with the Public Finance Management Act 1995 and the National Procurement Act 2018.

Read More : https://www.thenational.com.pg/kapavore-says-reform-of-procurement-process-affecting-medical-supplies/

23/10/2025

Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa have raised critical points and his absolutely right to call attention to the state of our health system.

Yes, we’re not in the village anymore, but the National Department of Health (NDoH) through the Medical Supplies Procurement Division (MSPD) still handles national-level procurement of all medical supplies for the 19 Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs). 🚛💉
From there, supplies move through the Provincial Transit Medical Stores (PTMS) before finally reaching district hospitals, health centres, and aid posts.

But here’s the truth 👉 procurement alone doesn’t fix the problem. The real test lies in how each PHA manages, monitors, and reports what they actually receive. This is where mSupply data accuracy, Medicine & Therapeutics Committees (MTCs), and Clinical Governance Committees (CGCs) play a vital oversight role.

These committees aren’t just names on paper, they:
1. Ensure rational use of medicines 💊
2. Monitor adverse drug reactions ⚕️
3. Review consumption patterns and wastage 📊
4. Promote clinical safety and accountability 🧩

Sadly, in many provinces, these MTCs and CGCs have become inactive or ignored, leaving dangerous gaps in monitoring and governance.

If we truly want a strong, transparent, and sustainable health supply chain, then:
🏅MTCs and CGCs must be reactivated and empowered.
🏅mSupply data must be updated and reliable.
🏅 PHAs, pharmacists, and logistics officers must collaborate closely with MSPD.

Because when MSPD, PHAs, MTCs, and CGCs all work in alignment, guided by accurate data and shared accountability, the system delivers results. But when even one link like funding, governance, or coordination fails, the entire chain breaks down and the people suffer.

Let’s rebuild our health system on accountability, teamwork, and transparency, not political convenience or selective recognition. 💪🇵🇬

23/10/2025

[[Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa recently highlighted that the shortage of essential medicines in hospitals across Papua New Guinea is largely due to Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) not receiving their allocated operational budgets on time]]

This statement sheds light on a critical issue affecting service delivery right down to our rural health facilities where delays in funding directly translate into empty shelves, frustrated health workers, and suffering patients.

The PHA system was designed to bring decentralized decision-making and efficiency closer to the people. But how can PHAs perform their mandate effectively if funding flows remain unpredictable? When budgets are delayed, procurement of vital medical supplies, logistics, fuel for drug distribution, and frontline services all grind to a halt.

💬 Food 4 for Thought:
1. Are PHAs being empowered with timely and adequate funding to carry out their responsibilities?
2. Should there be stronger financial accountability mechanisms between NDOH, Treasury, and PHAs to prevent these delays?
3. What role can local leaders and communities play in monitoring provincial health budgets and ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose?

💡 It’s time to relook at how funds are released and managed to ensure no child, mother, or patient misses lifesaving medicines because of bureaucratic bottlenecks.

23/10/2025

🌍💉💪👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🏥PNG FIGHTING BACK STRONG! 🇵🇬

Papua New Guinea continues to strengthen its fight to protect every child from polio, a disease that can cause lifelong paralysis and even death. Following the detection of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) earlier this year, the Government of PNG, through the National Department of Health (NDOH), has launched a nationwide response to ensure all children are protected.

🗓️ The Polio Supplementary Immunization Campaign began on ~11 August 2025, targeting all children under 10 years old throughout the country. The campaign is led by NDOH with strong support from the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) partners.

💉 Vaccines used in the campaign:
Two vaccines are being used together to provide both quick and long-lasting protection:
1️⃣ nOPV2 (novel Oral Polio Vaccine type 2) is a safer, more stable oral vaccine that builds strong gut immunity and stops poliovirus transmission in communities.
2️⃣ Fractional IPV (fIPV) is a one-fifth dose of the inactivated polio vaccine given intramuscularly. It protects children from paralysis and provides lasting immunity.

🩹 Extra child health interventions for all provinces
This year’s campaign goes beyond polio vaccination. All children under five years old across PNG in both the 17 mainland provinces and 5 NGI provinces are also receiving:
1. Vitamin A capsules to strengthen their immune systems, improve eyesight, and support healthy growth. Children aged 6–11 months receive 100,000 IU, while those 12–59 months receive 200,000 IU.
2. Deworming (Albendazole) tablets to remove intestinal worms, improving nutrition and helping children grow strong and healthy.

These added interventions help boost children’s overall wellbeing while protecting them from preventable diseases.

📍 Campaign structure:
1. High-risk mainland provinces (17): Two rounds Round 1 (nOPV2) and Round 2 (nOPV2 + fIPV), both including Vitamin A and deworming.
2. Lower-risk NGI provinces (5): Single round Round 2 (fIPV + Vitamin A + deworming).

💪 Why use both nOPV2 and fIPV?
A. nOPV2 quickly stops virus spread in the community through gut protection.
B. fIPV provides lasting immunity and protection against paralysis.
This combination, recommended by WHO and GPEI, offers the strongest defense against future outbreaks.

📊 Progress so far:
Round 1 achieved 83.2% coverage across the 17 high-risk mainland provinces which is an impressive achievement despite tough geographical and logistical challenges. Round 2 (~29 September–~31 October 2025) is now ongoing, pushing hard to reach every missed child, ensuring no one is left behind.

🗣️ Yumi olgeta mas wok b**g wantaim! Polio no ken kam bek long ples bilong yumi. Lukautim ol pikinini — kisim ol i go long haus s*k na mekim sua ol i kisim polio marasin (nOPV2 na fIPV) wantaim Vitamin A na deworm tablet.

💙 Every dose counts. Every child 👩‍🦲🙍‍♂️🙍‍♀️matters. Together, we can keep PNG polio-free, strengthen community health, and protect the future of our nation.