ACCESS to proper maternal and child health care services is still lacking in hospitals nationwide, including the Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH), The National reports.
“It is a problem that cannot be resolved overnight,” Health Minister Sasa Zibe said in response to Anglimp-South Waghi Open MP Jamie Maxtone-Graham’s question in Parliament yesterday.
Maxtone-Graham asked Zibe what steps had the health department taken to restore the poor health services in PMGH’s maternity ward as reported by the media recently.
“There was a report of a shortage of IV baby needles in PMGH which could put lives of babies at risk. This is a very big concern and can the minister tell us what is being done to address this problem. Can the minister also admit that the hospital is facing financial problems?” Maxtone-Graham asked.
Zibe said funds and drugs were not a problem but the administrative matters relating to the procurement and delivery system was failing the people, especially mothers at maternity wards that depended on services.
“This is not a new thing. Other hospitals in the country and in the 89 districts are experiencing the same thing. I have always stressed that PNG has the lowest health indicator in the Western Pacific region.
“Of course I admit, but this is a problem we cannot address overnight,” Zibe said.
He said the issues would be addressed under the new national health plan.
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