Milne Bay health authority moves to short-term contracts amid funding crunch

The Milne Bay Provincial Health Authority has decided to place some local contract officers on short-term arrangements as part of a strategy to keep health services running during severe financial constraints.

CEO Dr Perista Mamadi said the move will help the authority manage its limited resources while awaiting funding and approval for a major organizational restructure that includes more than 500 vacancies.

The decision, made by the Finance Sub-Committee, became public after an internal memo was leaked, sparking concerns about possible disruptions to health services.

Dr Mamadi explained that officers currently holding funded positions will remain, while those not attached to positions and in local contract will be given options to sign an understanding to continue working without pay until funding arrives, or be released if they choose not to.

He said stakeholders had been informed of the plan and expressed confidence it was the best interim solution until the restructure is endorsed and funded.

Dr Mamadi added that funding is expected later this month, which should help address some of the immediate issues.