New medical board of PNG sworn-in

New members of the Papua New Guinea [PNG] Medical Board were sworn-in yesterday, following the term lapse of the previous board.

The newly sworn in board members have representation from the department, Port Moresby General Hospital, and Civil society.

Board members include Dr Daoni Esorom, Dr Esther Apuahe, Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, Dr Noah Tapaua, Dr Shalon Taufa, Dr Paul Sali, Maluo Magaru, and a first-ever legal representative, Alfred Manase.

The medical board will play a key role in providing oversight, regulation and standards in the health sector to ensure delivery of health services across the country flows well.

Health Minister Kapavore was at the ceremony to witness the swearing in of the 7 members in Port Moresby yesterday.

At the occasion Acting Health Secretary Ken Wai reminded the board members that health cannot survive without qualified people.

“This is an important occasion. The health sector cannot move and survive without qualified people. Having qualified doctors, nurses, HEO, pharmacist, lab scientist, Physiotherapy, etc. is vital in moving the health sector in the country,” Mr. Wai said.

 “So the board regulates, clears and approve authority when it comes to quality.”

Minister Elias Kapavore reminded the members of the important role they play in ensuring health staff are competent, and there is a duty of care towards patients.

“So every time when a patient comes to the hospital they should know their rights. I want to say today, that as part of improving our advocacy on patient safety, making sure that we address patients' rights properly in our country.

“There's a growing concern now, right across our hospitals today, there's a lot of medical negligence coming through. Some people are not actually treating patients properly and are receiving many complaints from many patients. So I believe that we need to address that,” Minister Kapavore said.

Acting Registrar Medical Board Dr Alphonse Tay highlighted the legacy issues of a lack of easy communication with the Minister's office and asked how it can be addressed.

Minister Kapavore gave assurance that his office will be open to the medical board for easy communication.