Dr. Liko to be engaged as special advisor to government on health issues

Outgoing Health Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko will be engaged as Special Advisor to the Government on National Health Issues, under the Department of the Prime Minister and National Executive Council [NEC].

The announcement was made today by Prime Minister James Marape during the official handover ceremony between Dr. Liko and incoming Acting Health Secretary Mr. Ken Wai.

Prime Minister Marape praised Dr. Liko's extensive contributions to Papua New Guinea’s health sector, noting his distinguished career as the country’s top urologist for over 15 years, Chief Surgeon of PNG for more than a decade, and Senior Honorary Lecturer in Surgery at the University of Papua New Guinea prior to his appointment as Health Secretary.

"I want to also confess that he is moving on not because he performed poorly, rather he performed exceptionally well," Marape said.

"And for me as someone who has great respect for him, let me say that Dr. Liko is our country's best nephrologist and urologists. I need him to be alive the next 20 years in our country.

"So in the context, I had a word with him closely. We can't lose him due to the stresses of running a huge health department. I need to preserve your life, your health and need you to be around.

"So he's not moving away from the health department. He will be part of this department, the construct of our health policy progress for as long as he can live. And that I can assure you. Talents must be maintained."

Dr. Liko took on the leadership of the Health Department at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, navigating one of the most challenging periods in global and national health history.

Speaking at the ceremony, he acknowledged the collaborative effort behind the department’s achievements.

“It was not my doing alone, we all contributed to this success,” Dr. Liko said, reflecting on his tenure and expressing gratitude to development partners, the CEOs of Provincial Health Authorities [PHAs], and the Medical Board for their support.

Meanwhile, Acting Health Secretary Mr. Ken Wai expressed readiness to take on the role and contribute meaningfully during his three-month term.

“I know it’s only three months, but I believe we can accomplish more,” Wai said.