The Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007

The Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007

The Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 (PHAA) is a landmark piece of legislation in Papua New Guinea (PNG) that fundamentally reshaped the country’s health system. The Act established a decentralized framework for the management and delivery of healthcare services, shifting authority and responsibility from the national government to provincial and district levels. This decentralization aimed to improve the standard of public health for the people of PNG and enhance the delivery of health services to provinces and the National Capital District.

The PHAA introduced a new tier of governance within the health sector, creating Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs). PHAs are independent bodies with specific powers and functions to manage health services within their respective provinces. The Act also abolished provincial health boards and public hospital boards established under the Hospital Administration Act, streamlining the governance structure.

The PHAA’s objective was to create a more efficient, effective, and integrated health system, addressing the unintended consequences of the Organic Law on health service delivery across the country’s 22 provinces. The Act also empowered provinces to create a single provincial authority for managing health care service delivery, enhancing provincial autonomy and accountability.

Introduction

The Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 (PHAA) represents a significant milestone in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) health sector reform, signifying a shift towards decentralization and provincial autonomy in the management and delivery of healthcare services. Prior to the PHAA, the national government held primary responsibility for health service provision, leading to challenges in addressing the diverse needs of the country’s geographically dispersed and culturally rich population. The PHAA aimed to address these challenges by empowering provinces to take ownership of their health systems and tailor services to local contexts.

The Act’s overarching goal was to improve the standard of public health for the people of PNG and enhance the delivery of health services to provinces and the National Capital District. This objective was to be achieved by establishing a framework for provincial health partnerships, creating provincial health authorities, and empowering provinces to implement the National Health Plan in a locally relevant manner.

Key Provisions of the Act

The Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 (PHAA) introduced a number of key provisions to establish a decentralized healthcare system in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Act’s core provisions include the establishment of Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), defining their powers and functions, and outlining the framework for provincial health partnerships.

The Act establishes PHAs as independent bodies with the authority to manage health services within their respective provinces. PHAs are responsible for implementing the National Health Plan, formulating provincial implementation plans, advising the Provincial Government on health policy matters, and overseeing the delivery of health services within their jurisdiction. The PHAA also grants PHAs the power to enter into partnerships with non-state providers, enabling a more comprehensive approach to service delivery.

The PHAA further outlines the roles and responsibilities of Provincial Health Boards, which provide advice to the Provincial Government on health policy matters. The Act also outlines the financial management framework for PHAs, ensuring transparency and accountability in resource utilization.

Implementation and Impact

The implementation of the Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 (PHAA) in Papua New Guinea (PNG) has been a gradual process, with 21 Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) established across the country since 2009. The Act’s implementation has had a significant impact on the health system, bringing about both positive and challenging aspects.

One of the key impacts of the PHAA has been the devolution of authority and responsibility for health services from the national level to the provincial level. This has led to a greater focus on addressing local health needs and tailoring services to specific contexts. The PHAA has also fostered a more collaborative approach to health service delivery, encouraging partnerships between PHAs and non-state providers.

However, the implementation of the PHAA has not been without its challenges. Resource constraints, capacity building needs, and the need for effective coordination between different levels of government have been identified as key obstacles to the full realization of the Act’s objectives. Despite these challenges, the PHAA has laid the foundation for a more decentralized and responsive health system in PNG.

Amendments and Recent Developments

Since its enactment, the Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007 (PHAA) has undergone several amendments and has been subject to ongoing developments within the context of Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) evolving health landscape. The PHAA was amended in 2013, addressing aspects related to the appointment, suspension, and dismissal of chief executive officers of provincial health authorities. This amendment aimed to enhance governance and accountability within the PHA system.

More recently, the National Parliament of PNG passed the Public Health Emergency Act, reflecting the need to address public health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. This Act, along with other legislative developments, has underscored the importance of a robust and adaptable health system, highlighting the need for continued reform and collaboration within the health sector.

The PHAA’s implementation continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts focused on strengthening the capacity of PHAs, improving coordination between different levels of government, and ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare services across the country. These developments are crucial for ensuring that the PHAA’s objectives of improved public health and enhanced healthcare delivery are realized in PNG.