For many Papua New Guineans injured in road accidents, receiving compensation can often be delayed by incomplete paperwork, lengthy verification processes, or even fraudulent medical reports.
A new partnership between the National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) and Motor Vehicles Insurance Limited (MVIL) aims to change that by creating a more transparent and efficient system for processing motor vehicle accident claims.
The two organizations have signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the verification of medical reports used in Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance claims.
The agreement is expected to improve claims processing for genuine victims while tightening measures against fraudulent claims.
Under the agreement, NCDPHA will provide MVIL with verified medical reports, injury assessments, and clinical information relating to motor vehicle accident victims treated at health facilities across Port Moresby.
MVIL will use the verified information to assess and process claims under its statutory Compulsory Third Party insurance scheme, ensuring that only legitimate claims supported by credible medical documentation are approved.
The MoU also establishes standardised procedures requiring complete medical documentation, confirmation of patient identity, assessment of injury severity, and verification of treatment details before claims are processed.
To facilitate this, both organizations will establish secure information-sharing channels to enable the timely exchange of medical reports while protecting the accuracy and integrity of patient records.
MVIL Chief Executive Officer Bafino Koi said the partnership is the first of its kind and will eventually be expanded to provincial hospitals throughout the country.
"NCD is the first one that we are doing, and we will roll out to other major hospitals in the country," Mr Koi said.
"Our team is already talking to the respective CEOs of provincial health authorities so we can establish similar MoUs and assist claimants in other parts of Papua New Guinea."
Beyond improving claim verification, MVIL has committed to supporting NCDPHA through capacity building, equipment, and training.
Mr. Koi said the company will provide computers and printers needed to process claims, while also helping medical staff improve report writing to meet insurance requirements.
The support will also extend to training doctors in accident reporting, injury assessments, and proper treatment documentation.
MVIL is also considering assistance for NCD-managed clinics, including facilities at Tokarara, Morata, and Six Mile, recognizing that these centers are often the first point of treatment for road accident victims.
Mr. Koi said one of the main reasons behind the agreement was the increasing number of fraudulent medical reports being submitted with insurance claims.
"There are fake medical reports circulating where people try to capitalize on accidents by fabricating documentation," he said.
"With this MoU, we will know which hospital or clinic prepared the report and whether the doctor is officially employed by NCDPHA. That allows us to properly validate every medical report that comes through."
NCDPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Robin Oge said the agreement strengthens accountability while making the claims process more transparent for everyone involved.
"The MoU ensures that we take on some responsibility while, at the same time, improving transparency in the claims process," Dr. Oge said.
"It creates trust between the parties because we know the reports are coming through an agreed process, prepared by doctors recognized by both organizations. That allows claims to be accepted and verified much more efficiently."
For road accident victims, the partnership represents more than an administrative agreement.
It is an effort to ensure that those who are genuinely injured receive timely compensation while protecting the integrity of Papua New Guinea's Compulsory Third-Party insurance system.
As MVIL prepares to expand the model beyond Port Moresby, the collaboration could become a national benchmark for improving trust, accountability, and service delivery in motor vehicle accident claims.
