Health workforce shortage straining Papua New Guinea’s medical system, says DPM secretary

Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, Ms. Taies Sansan, has raised serious concerns over the critical shortage of health workers in Papua New Guinea, warning that the national health system is under immense strain due to a severe imbalance between healthcare personnel and the population they serve.

Speaking at the University of Papua New Guinea’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), Ms. Sansan revealed that there are 20,929 health workers currently serving across cities, towns, and rural areas nationwide.

“On the surface that may seem like a significant number but upon closer inspection the reality becomes clear - our health system is under immense strain," Sansan said.

She highlighted that more than 400 health posts have closed, and many others remain severely understaffed. This has led to overworked health professionals, high rates of burnout, and communities being left without access to basic healthcare services.

Ms. Sansan noted the composition of the workforce is heavily reliant on lower-tier medical professionals.

"Our workforce is dominated by community health workers [49%] and nurses and midwives [37%] and 5% being doctors and specialists," Sansan said.

While community health workers are the backbone of healthcare, the shortage of trained medical officers is a serious concern, particularly in rural areas.

In her address to the graduating class at SMHS, she challenged the new graduates to step up and help address the national crisis.

The Department of Personnel Management has acknowledged the urgency of scaling up medical training, improving retention, and ensuring adequate deployment of health personnel to underserved areas as key steps toward reversing the current trend.