Abau District Member of Parliament, Sir Puka Temu, has urged the Papua New Guinea (PNG) government to adopt e-health solutions to overcome the healthcare challenges posed by the country's remote geography.
Speaking at the launch of the pilot Waste-Zone Project at Kupiano Health Centre, Central Province, Sir Temu emphasized the need for digital infrastructure to improve healthcare access.
"As a national leader, I strongly recommend that the Marape-Rosso government embrace e-health. Our country's remoteness and limited road access require us to scale up efforts and invest in necessary infrastructure," Sir Temu said.
He also highlighted the need for the National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) to expedite approval for Starlink, a rural IT service initiative, to improve connectivity. "Why is NICTA delaying this? We need technology to advance healthcare," he asked.
Sir Temu's remarks were part of a broader call for digital transformation in healthcare. He noted that the Communication Minister Hon. Timothy Masiu was hosting a digital transformation conference in Port Moresby and urged him to prioritize telemedicine.
Additionally, Sir Temu advocated for the use of drone technology to deliver vaccines, comparing its use in healthcare to its military applications in conflict zones.
"While drones are often used in warfare, I believe we can use them to deliver vaccines and improve public health," Sir Temu said.
He thanked international partners, including the Japanese government and the World Health Organization (WHO), for their contributions to improving healthcare facilities.
"Every hospital must have proper waste disposal systems, especially for bio-waste," he added, calling for essential infrastructure like oxygen concentrators in hospitals.
Support for E-Health and the Waste-Zone Project
Dr. Edward Waramin, Public Health Manager at the National Department of Health (NDOH), supported Sir Temu’s call for e-health, noting the latter’s efforts in advancing healthcare and highlighted critical health issues such as tuberculosis, cervical and breast cancer, and immunization, which require immediate attention.
"Your request has been noted, and we will ensure it reaches the Health Secretary," Dr. Waramin assured.
Representing Dr. Osborne Liko, the Health Secretary, Dr. Waramin officiated the Waste-Zone Project launch in Kupiano, which aims to improve medical waste management.
Dr. Waramin expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including the Japanese Government, WHO, the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNOPS, for supporting the project.
"The health sector alone cannot solve all problems. Together, we can improve healthcare services across the country," he said.
The Waste-Zone Project addresses critical issues in medical waste management. Dr. Waramin pointed out that while 90% of healthcare waste is non-hazardous, the remaining 10% poses significant risks, especially in advanced medical facilities.
"Improper healthcare waste management can harm human health and the environment," Dr. Waramin warned.
A 2022 situation analysis revealed that PNG's waste management practices were below acceptable standards. The Waste-Zone Project aims to fix this by providing a comprehensive waste management system, including waste collection, segregation, storage, treatment, and disposal.
Impact on Healthcare Facilities
Dr. Waramin said that Kupiano District Hospital has already met initial waste management standards but stressed the need for further infrastructure improvements.
"Improving waste management practices helps prevent hospital infections and protects the environment from pollution," he explained.
The project models a new healthcare waste management system, the first of its kind in PNG. Dr. Waramin expressed hope that the Kupiano Clinic could serve as a model for other healthcare facilities nationwide.
"I am convinced the Waste-Zone is a sustainable, economical solution that can be replicated throughout the country," he said.
Reflecting on the importance of accessible healthcare, Dr. Waramin shared a personal story from 2017 when a newborn's life was saved due to proper medical care.
"Without that facility and the medicines available, we could have lost that baby," he recalled.
International Collaboration and Investment
Japanese Ambassador Nobuyuki Watanabe, a distinguished guest at the project launch, reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening PNG’s healthcare system.
In 2021, Japan provided over US$2.7 million (approximately K10 million) to WHO for building a more resilient health system in PNG, particularly in response to COVID-19.
"The Kupiano Waste-Zone Pilot Project aims to improve waste management practices at health facilities to prevent the spread of infections and protect healthcare workers and patients," Watanabe said.
