Outgoing Acting Health Secretary Ken Kandap Wai has claimed that his refusal to bow to political pressure was the reason he was not appointed to the permanent role of Health Secretary.
In a detailed public statement, Kandap Wai said he lost the confidence of the Health Minister after repeatedly rejecting directives to appoint a particular doctor to the position of Deputy Secretary for Health Policy and Corporate Services during his seven months in office.
Kandap Wai said he was appointed Acting Health Secretary on 12 May 2025 and during that period received at least 10 directives, verbally, via WhatsApp, and in writing, from the Minister to appoint what he described as the Minister’s “wantok” to the senior role.
He stated that he refused the appointment on integrity grounds, alleging that the doctor had previously been implicated in the mismanagement of Global Fund financing for tuberculosis, HIV, and malaria.
According to Kandap Wai, the issue led to the National Department of Health (NDOH) reimbursing USD3.4 million to the Global Fund in 2014.
He said the incident resulted in Papua New Guinea losing its status as a Principal Recipient of Global Fund grants for the past decade, costing the country an estimated USD365 million (K1.3 billion) in funding.
Kandap Wai argued that continued loss of direct control over Global Fund resources has contributed to rising cases of TB, HIV, and malaria, as funding is now managed by external entities rather than the NDOH.
“The health sector relies heavily on international partners such as DFAT, WHO, UNICEF, the World Bank, ADB, NZ Aid, and others,” he said, adding that appointing the doctor could have damaged relationships with key development partners.
He said the Minister openly informed him on several occasions, including in meetings with senior executives of the department, that he did not have ministerial support because he refused to comply with the directive.
Despite missing out on the permanent appointment, Kandap Wai said he stands by his decisions, stating that his priority was protecting institutional integrity and the interests of the nation.
“The record of my performance over the past seven months speaks for itself, particularly in laying the groundwork to address long-standing medical supply issues,” he said.
Kandap Wai, who is also an ordained pastor based in the National Capital District, said he harbours no regrets.
“I am not crying. I hold my head high because I did the right thing. I leave judgment to God,” he said.
He concluded by wishing Papua New Guineans a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026.
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