In response to the petition from the health workers of Modilon General Hospital, Health Minister Dr. Lino Tom said he received the petition from the doctors and nurses who have raised significant concerns in regard to the Madang Provincial Health Authority (PHA). “I take all reports of misgovernance extremely seriously”, said Dr. Tom. He said, PHAs were established to decentralize the management and delivery of healthcare services to the provincial and district level, and aimed at improving the effectiveness, efficiency, and accountability of healthcare delivery. PHAs are governed by a board of directors appointed by the Provincial Government, with representation across different sectors, as mandated by law. “Sound governance is essential for a functional PHA; and transparency and accountability are core values. And these apply to both the establishment and operations of a PHA Board.” Upon received the petition, Dr. Tom had asked his Department to investigate the main areas highlighted in the petition, and they have provided the following advice: 1. The Madang PHA Board has not demonstrated that a transparent, merit-based appointment process was used to recruit its current CEO. 2. The nominations for PHA Board Members submitted to date have not met the requirements for fit and proper persons from respective sectors, as stipulated in the PHA Act 2007. As these legal requirements were not met, two Cabinet Submissions for the Madang PHA Board have been rejected. “I am committed to addressing these serious issues related to health service delivery in Madang. PHAs have a responsibility to ensure that our health workers can provide quality care in a safe environment that is fit for purpose.” “This has an impact on the health outcomes of our patients too.” “It is imperative that we have strong governance in place to support effective health service delivery at the Provincial and District levels.” “As leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that Board appointments are merit-based and comply with the law.” He added that, a new Madang PHA Board submission will be considered by Cabinet shortly. As soon as the Board members have been commissioned, their responsibility will be to review the performance of the Madang PHA CEO and senior executive team and take action accordingly. “I also strongly encourage the Madang PHA Board and other PHA Boards across the country, to conduct an external audit into your operations over the past five years.” “This is crucial for accountability and quality assurance.” “I would like to assure the health workers at Modilon General Hospital that I have heard your concerns around the sub-optimal health facility standards and environment to safely provide essential health services, and that I will continue to follow-up on this at the highest levels, until the outstanding Madang PHA Board and governance issues have been addressed.”

Papua New Guinea’s bid to join the National Rugby League will take another step forward with the best young players in the country on display later this month. The tournament, which will take place over the weekend of 20/21 July in Goroka, will see the eyes of the PNG Rugby League world focused on some outstanding emerging talent exhibiting their skills on the field. The tournament will also showcase the important work being done by the NRL Bid Academy. The Academy, supported through the PNGAus partnership, and led by the highly experienced coach, Joe Grima, has placed a focus on equipping the best U15/17/19 boys and U18 girls with the skills to succeed on and off the field. The 16-week program, the first of its kind in PNG, is uncovering talent throughout the country that can compete against the best young players in Australia and New Zealand. This will be an important building block to becoming an NRL club. PNG NRL Bid Chief Executive, Andrew Hill, understood the importance of this tournament. “We are creating a solid structure for the game in this country and one that will put us in the best possible situation to succeed,” said Hill. “The development of the Academy under Joe Grima and a great group of coaches, has been incredibly important.” “This tournament is the next step towards preparing our young talent for the future. It will see the best players compete over two days and showcase the fact that in the coming years we have the depth and skill level required to compete against the best young talent from the NRL.” “I look forward to what will be a great event for the game here in PNG.”

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) teamed up with the Port Moresby General Hospital and the Angau Hospital to host a successful blood drive at two office locations in honour of World Blood Donors Day recently on the 14 June, 2024. The Port Moresby General Hospital Health Team said, “Only 1 in 30 people give blood, but 1 in 3 people will need blood in their lifetime.” Valdo Pongiura, CCEP’s Talent Management Executive said, “donating blood is about making a direct and positive difference in people’s lives and CCEP is pleased to support this cause.” Representatives from the blood bank units from both hospitals, Sir Brian Bell Centre for Transfusion and Angau Blood Bank, appreciated CCEP's support, noting the donations will go a long way in saving lives. Aside from giving blood, our staff received valuable information on the health benefits of donation. “Some benefits of donating blood include, mini examination, balanced iron levels, calorie burning, reduced cancer risk, enhanced cardiovascular health, and improved blood flow for repeat donors”. CCEP is dedicated to supporting initiatives that improve employee health and wellbeing and community health.

Vodafone PNG is excited to announce its silver sponsorship of the renowned National Mask & Warwagira Festival, taking place from the 10th - 13th July at Queen’s Park in Rabaul, East New Britain Province. This year’s festival promises to be a spectacular event, showcasing traditional performances, rituals and crafts from in and around the East New Britain province. “Vodafone is delighted to support this festival and contribute to the celebration of our diverse cultural heritage." This is from Vodafone’s PR Manager Charmaine to Robert. “We believe in the power of connectivity to bring people together and this festival is a wonderful opportunity to support and engage with our community.” Festival goers can expect all this and more from the Vodafone Stall - FREE Sim Registration – With every new Vodafone SIM registered, customers can enjoy 200 mins talk-time. SUPA AFFORDABLE Phones – Exclusive to the Mask Festival, there will be touch screen phones going from as low as K129! FREE Show Bags – Visit the Vodafone Stall and see how you can score yourself a free show bag with Vodafone branded goodies inside. FREE Face Painting – Get sighted in the crowd with the Vodafone logo painted on your face and you could win some exciting prizes. Keep an eye on Vodafone’s social media pages for more information and make sure to visit the Vodafone Stall at the National Mask & Warwagira Festival to take advantage of the specials!

Thousands of city residents including NCD Governor, Powes Parkop participated in the 2024 Trukai Fun Run to support Team PNG’s Olympic Dream in Port Moresby on Sunday 7th July, morning. Amongst the participants was Governor Parkop’s special guest from Vanuatu, Lord Mayor of the City of Port Vila, Steve Kiel and four of his councillors. They have been in the city for a week to learn and appreciate what is being done to transform Port Moresby as a livable city. The delegates who return this week were happy to join the governor to support this worthy cause. The annual Trukai Fun Run was successfully hosted at the Sir Hubert Murray Stadium along Champion Parade. Newly appointed president of PNG Olympic Committee (PNGOC) Emma Waiwai, French Ambassador, Guillaume Lemoine; executive management of Trukai Industries Limited and representatives of major sponsors including the National Capital District Commission Director for Community and Social Services Janet Haua also joined the Governor in the fun run. Governor Parkop thanked the corporate sponsors and everyone for turning up in big numbers to support the fun run as well as to walk for their health, fitness and wellness. “On behalf of all of us, I want to thank Trukai Industries for always being here for PNG Olympic Committee, for our sports men and women, going to different competition, regionally and internationally,” said the Governor. He presented a cheque of K13, 000 to Mrs Waiwai on behalf of NCDC as its extra contribution apart from the payment of fun run t-shirts to support our athletes to the Paris Olympics. Governor Parkop also used the opportunity to appeal to everyone to take personal responsibility for their own health, fitness and wellness, reminding them that 62 percent of all deaths in the country now is caused by non-communicable diseases (NCD) or lifestyle diseases. “It’s a major killer now.” “We have to therefore balance between preventive health care and curative health care,” he stressed. The Governor also congratulated and welcomed the appointment of Mrs Waiwai for her appointment as the President of the PNG Olympic Committee noting that it was first time for a woman to be appointed to this prestigious position. He also thanked outgoing president, Sir John Dawanincura for his long and distinguished service to sports in the country. Mrs Waiwai said this year’s fun run, supported by generous participants in purchasing t-shirts in solidarity with team PNG marked another significant step towards achieving their goal. She announced that funds raised from this year’s Trukai Fun Run will be crucial in supporting our athletes’ preparation to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

Papua New Guinea Rugby Football League (PNGRFL) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Stanley Hondina recently announced the vacancy in the PNG LNG Kumuls Head Coach position. Hondina confirmed that he was notified by Justin Holbrook of his unavailability to be head coach of the PNG LNG Kumuls for the end of this year’s internationals. The announcement comes after Holbrook, who steered the PNG LNG Kumuls to its 2023 Pacific Bowl victory and who is currently an Assistant Coach at the Sydney Roosters, gave notice that he would be moving on from PNG’s national men’s team in 2024. “It is with mixed emotions that I have stepped down as Head Coach of the Kumuls. I thoroughly enjoyed coaching the team and winning the Pacific Bowl Championships last year in PNG. To witness the passion for rugby league from all the players, staff and everyone in their country was unbelievable,” Holbrook said. “I have taken up a role as the Australian Assistant Coach for the Pacific Championships under Mal Meninga for this year's series against New Zealand and Tonga. Both series run at the same time so unfortunately, I cannot continue as Kumuls Coach.” Holbrook added, “I want to thank the PNGRFL for the opportunity to be Head Coach. It was an experience I loved. The PNG people were so welcoming of me to their country. The love that they have for their team, and opposition teams, shows how much Rugby League means to the people of PNG.” Mr. Hondina said, “We respect Coach Justin’s decision and are grateful for the time that he has served our national side in 2023, which saw the first invitational and international test series, to be held on our home ground since COVID 19. We wish him well in his future endeavours and as he takes up this new role with the Australian Kangaroos.” “The PNGRFL will be releasing a formal advertisement for the vacancy of the PNG LNG Head Coach role in the coming days.” Meanwhile, dates for the 2024 Prime Minister’s XIII and the Pacific Championships are yet to be released and announced.

The Opposition is calling on the Government to distribute funds equally to all members of the National Parliament. Abau MP, Sir Puka Temu said, in the recent distribution of infrastructure funds at a sum of K5 million, only 4 members on the Opposition were given the privilege of that allocation. He said, “The rest of us who represent 30% of the population close to 3million people have been denied.” He urged the Government to not weaponize the “Budget” to disadvantage those in the Opposition. Sir Temu stressed his worries on the matter that these issues are not resolved. “Because while you are penalizing those who disagree with you, you have to remember that you are penalizing the constituents that we represent." "And that’s the issue." "The people continue to suffer when you hold back budgeted funds.” Sir Temu said, this is basically breaking the law and he is calling on the Prime Minister to be fair. “The 3million people that we represent are also your people.” He stated, going into the future they will find a solution for this once they defeat the VoNC that’s coming and form the new Government. “We will make sure that the funds that are allocated to the budget are protected for every constituent which is the people.” And as a senior Member of Parliament, Sir Temu is looking at moving the service improvement funds whether it’s LLG, provincial or district to constitutional grant guaranteed so that no prime minister of the day has the power to manage the politics of it.

The lack of TB medications in various health centers, which continues to see a lot of TB patients not being fully treated, indicates a very serious issue faced in the country in terms of procuring these lifesaving medical drugs. Ms. Karen Yaman, the Morobe Provincial TB Leprosy Coordinator said that due to this situation their TB patients are currently receiving antibiotic treatment, which is a supplementary medicine for patients to take to suppress the infection while waiting for the TB drugs. At present, they only have the Pediatrics ‘Initial Phase’ and not the ‘Continuation Phase’ of the treatment. “We only have the initial phase and not the continuation phase of the treatment and if patients don’t get their treatments, they develop complications. The chances of developing drug resistance TB are also high.” Ms. Yaman said operating at the provincial level they have more than 60 patients registered and always tend to turn-away patients upon diagnosis due to no TB drugs. She added that they were instructed to raising a kit-box for a patient (which is a slandered practice) but due to the recurrent shortage of TB drugs, they are advising health officers to give out antibiotics while waiting for TB drugs to arrive. She further stated that the issue of no TB drugs and all other medical drugs across the board needs to be seriously investigated and addressed. “The national government needs to look into these issues and help us with adequate money to purchase TB drugs as well as other medical supplies to the health facilities. This is an ongoing issue.”

Prime Minister James Marape has commended the leaders of Bougainville for the completion and operation of the Arawa School of Nursing, an important milestone in the development of the health sector in Bougainville and its district of Central Bougainville. The Arawa School of Nursing is one of the two core priorities for the National and Bougainville Governments as they work at developing more functionality for Bougainville in line with its special autonomous needs. The prime minister said it was a “pleasant joy” to arrive in Arawa and see for himself the college up and running, and fully functional. For the other core health priority of a Level-5 hospital for Bougainville, to be built in Arawa, Prime Minister Marape committed the National Government to fully supporting the government of Bougainville get the project off the ground. He said he was pleased to note that the K70 million earmarked for the project is still available for the construction of the new hospital and encouraged the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to move the project into its implementation phase. “I want to advise for the procurement to run. We will continue to give support in the 2024 budget, the 2025 budget and in 2026. “Hopefully before we go to the next elections, the hospital is delivered. I look forward to ticking off this major project,” Prime Minister Marape said. Marape also acknowledged the contributions of the former Arawa hospital and the Arawa Technical School, describing them as “light bearers” for Bougainville before the crisis, and pledged to work with Bougainville leaders to get Arawa to regain its lost status. The prime minister made these remarks on Friday when he visited the Arawa Hospital and the newly constructed Arawa School of Nursing before launching the Central Bougainville Five Year District Development Plan.

The Mike Manning Youth Democracy Camp 2024 saw a total of 29 students selected from various secondary schools from all regions who underwent intensive training on democracy. Transparency International PNG (TIPNG) Deputy Director Mr. Yuambari HAIHUIE, told PNG HAUSBUNG that the program is organized by TIPNG and runs for 2 weeks. He said, the students engaged in activities such as drafting their own constitution, creating their own political parties and bills and learnt more about the legislature. “So it’s a really fantastic educational opportunity and we also invite guest speakers to come and speak about the different aspects of democracy.” He also stated that, many of the students have realized the machinery of how decision making happens in the country and what the different pieces that does this to legislature. Meanwhile, straight after his supreme court session on Friday 28th June, Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa was humbled to grace the presence of the young Papua New Guinean leaders and gave some insight on how the Government works and how his side of the house operates. Tomuriesa explained to the young leaders the roles and responsibilities of the opposition in any democratic government system and Parliament. He told them that the opposition's primary role is to keep the government in check and ensure that all decisions made or policies implemented must be in the best interest of the wider population and not only a few people. He also urged the young aspiring student leaders that to become good democratic leaders of this country, one must teach themselves to respect the rules and laws of this country first. The session ended with a Question and Answer session in which the Opposition Leader took time to answer their questions and queries before their tour of the Parliament House and precinct.

When it comes to life in the rugby league spotlight, Jarome Luai and Latrell Mitchell have had their fair share of media attention and controversy, but it’s their similarities that are also driving their connection ahead of Game Two. The Blues duo often dubbed ‘polarising figures’, Luai and Mitchell have not only found a connection off the field but have rekindled the edge combination that helped steer the Blues to a series victory in 2021. “I guess what I've been through and what he's been through, I can relate to him off the field,” Luai told media on Monday. “I know people use the word ‘polarising’ and I think we're definitely in the spotlight of the media a lot and how we sort of hold ourselves, and I think that's why we get along so well.” “He's a big family dude just like me and at the end of the day, we just want to do what's best for our families.” “We've got the same management as well, so we see each other a lot, we do a lot for the community together as well. He's a good energy man and that’s what I love about him.” “I think our relationship will help that on Wednesday and you can't really hear each other, but you when you see each other you know it’s on.” It’s been three years since the pair lined up alongside each other in Game Two of the 2021 series, with Mitchell ruled out with injury in 2022 and '23. After shutting out the Maroons 26-0 in Brisbane to secure a series win in 2021, Luai knows what the South Sydney superstar is capable of in the Origin arena and the influence he can have on the Blues’ performance. “I think automatically if he's out there, you have to think about him and what he can do as an individual,” Luai said. “There’s only a few players as gifted as that and if he turns up ready to rock, we go.” “I'm next to him so I think that's a big responsibility of mine, is to unlock Latrell and what he can do.” “And I've done that before so it gives me confidence in knowing that I can do that for him and for our team.” “Whatever the defence is throwing at us, I’ve got a guy like Angus Crichton outside me as well and he's been playing crazy out there out there with the Roosters.” “So, I've got some weapons that I need to unlock, and I've got my own running game, so I’ll definitely have some options there.” When it comes to players generating headlines, Maroons fullback Reece Walsh has been a hot topic of conversation since being ruled out of Game One following a high shot from Joseph Sua'ali'i. Luai said despite the ongoing build-up surrounding the fullback’s return in Game Two, the target on the No.1 gun hasn’t changed ahead of Wednesday. “I know it's been spoken about a lot, the fact that they think we have a target on his head,” Luai said. “But being the type of player he is with what he can do on the field, we're going to have a target on him already.” “So, you can't go on half-arsed, you can't go out at 50 per cent, we've got to do what we've always planned to do which is just restricting with what he can do.” Source: NRL.com

The Yaralum Primary School, located in Wabag district in Enga province went up in flames this morning. Enga Provincial Education Director Mr. Was Rowatina told PNG HAUSBUNG in an interview today that this incident is linked with a previous incident in Wabag and the 2022 National Election political violence. He said, he will give a full status report of the incident once he gets a full report tomorrow, 25th June on what transpired. Mr. Rowatina described the burning down of the classroom as a ‘terrorist attack’. “Awareness is carried out and we are always telling them that we got the law-and-order operations team here, but these are terrorist actions.” “These fights are tribal fights and a spill-over off the elections in 2022.” He further stated that, once school resumes next week (1st July 2024), students will be relocated to other neighbouring primary schools like Wabag primary and 3 other schools to continue their academic calendar and learning.