The National Department of Health has this week revived the National Health Conference after going without it for eight long years.

The NHC begins today, Monday 11 November 2024 to Wednesday 13 November 2024 at APEC Haus, Port Moresby. The conference pools together discussions and renews efforts among health professionals in the Public Service to improve delivery of healthcare to the country.

Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, while delivering the keynote address to launch the conference, put the spotlight on provincial health authorities to deliver the health plan from the funding the National Government provides every year under the Public Investment Program with regular reporting back to National Government.

He reminded the conference of the 2021-2025 National Health Plan with two years already passed into its implementation and the looming 50th independence anniversary next year 2025, reiterating to the healthcare professionals of the need to lift their performance as the country heads into the next 50 years.

PM Marape reiterated his government’s commitment in delivering health services to the people despite the huge costs involved as, he said, a strong human resource was vital in building the country.

“There is no greater price to pay than for the health of our people,” the Prime Minister said. “When I took office in 2019, my first big statement was to grow the economy, so we need people who are healthy and well educated to grow the economy of the country.”

“When I took office in 2019, my first big statement was to grow the economy, so we need people who are healthy and well educated to grow the economy of the country.”

He also called on the healthcare professionals to reflect on their own work and return best practices into the sector to help in providing better health services to the people.

The Prime Minister also took the time to thank the private sector, including the churches, for their contributions to the health sector of Papua New Guinea.