Goilala DDA steps up to address Healthcare crisis

“How do we align ourselves to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for achieving health for all by 2030, including universal health coverage?”

(Left to right) DDA EO Titus Girau, Medopharm PNG Ltd CEO Robert Ting, DDA Procurement Officer Philip Gugub, and Medopharm PNG Ltd Pharmacist (Consultant) George Toitopola posing with the check. Port Moresby. Image supplied by G. Pulpulis.)

This challenge, posed by Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Health, Elias Kapavore, during the 24th National Health Conference, underscores the pressing need for action in the nation’s health sector. While urban centers experience incremental progress, rural areas like Goilala District remain emblematic of the vast disparities in healthcare access across the country.

Goilala District, located approximately 133 kilometers from Port Moresby, is nestled in the mountainous Owen Stanley Ranges of Central Province. With its steep slopes, rugged terrain, and unpredictable weather, Goilala is among PNG’s most remote and inaccessible regions.

The district includes the Guari, Tapini, and Woitape Rural Local Level Governments (LLGs) and relies heavily on helicopter transport, making healthcare delivery logistically challenging and prohibitively expensive. This remoteness has led to dire healthcare conditions, with residents often facing life-threatening delays in accessing basic services.

In mid November, the Goilala District Development Authority (DDA) took a significant step toward addressing the healthcare crisis by allocating K700,000 for medical supplies and equipment. This funding, facilitated through a partnership with Medopharm PNG Ltd, marks a proactive effort to mitigate the severe shortages of medical infrastructure, supplies, and personnel that have long plagued the district.

Hon. Casmiro Aia, Member for Goilala, highlighted the gravity of the situation during the announcement. “We are facing an unprecedented health crisis,” he said. “Our people are vulnerable to diseases ranging from simple, curable conditions to complex ailments that require specialized care. The lack of drugs, equipment, and trained personnel has left Goilala struggling to provide even the most basic health services.”

In the absence of adequate government support, the Catholic Health Agency has become the cornerstone of healthcare in Goilala. Operating four health facilities in the district, the agency has stepped in to fill critical gaps. However, the government allocates only K19,000 annually to support healthcare services in both Kairuku and Goilala, a sum that is grossly insufficient.

“While we are grateful for the assistance, K19,000 is far from enough,” said Aia. “The Catholic Health Agency faces delays in receiving medical supplies, often leading to avoidable fatalities before approvals come through.”

The Central Provincial Health Authority (CPHA) was established to streamline healthcare delivery across the province, but its inefficiencies have drawn criticism, particularly for its failure to address the needs of remote districts like Goilala.

“The duplication of roles between the CPHA, National Department of Health, and the Catholic Health Agency creates confusion and delays,” Aia explained. “What is the purpose of these institutions if they fail to work together effectively?” This lack of coordination, coupled with the logistical challenges of a district where 90% of transport is by air, has exacerbated health inequities.

In an effort to overcome these challenges, the Goilala DDA partnered with Medopharm PNG Ltd, a leading importer and distributor of medical supplies in PNG. This collaboration aims to ensure a steady supply of essential drugs and equipment for Goilala’s health facilities.

“This partnership could be a turning point for healthcare in Goilala,” said DDA Executive Officer Titus Girau. “Our clinics will finally have the resources to address the pressing needs of mothers, children, and vulnerable populations.”

Medopharm PNG Ltd CEO Robert Ting expressed the company’s commitment to the district, emphasizing its extensive experience in supplying high-quality medical products across PNG. “We are honored to support Goilala in this critical initiative,” Ting said. “Our goal is to ensure that the people of Goilala have reliable access to medicines and healthcare equipment.”

Despite the proactive measures taken by the DDA, long-term solutions require systemic reform. Aia called on the government to reassess the effectiveness of provincial health authorities and to ensure that rural districts like Goilala receive the attention they deserve.

“The current system is failing our people. The government must sit down with provincial health authorities to address these issues and create a healthcare model that works for everyone, especially the most remote communities,” Aia stated.

While the challenges remain daunting, the Goilala DDA’s initiative offers hope. By prioritizing health, education, and law and order, the district is taking concrete steps to improve the lives of its residents.

“The people of Goilala deserve better,” Girau concluded. “This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a comprehensive effort to ensure health services reach even the most isolated corners of our district.”

The story of Goilala highlights the healthcare inequities in PNG but also serves as an inspiring example of how local leadership and strategic partnerships can drive meaningful change. For Goilala, the journey toward equitable healthcare has begun.