STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH ON ALLEGATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS BY THE OUTGOING ACTING HEALTH SECRETARY

I have noted with serious concern the statements being circulated on social media and other platforms by the former Acting Secretary for Health, Ken Wai, with misleading allegations, including claims that his removal from office was influenced by the Minister for Health and that I improperly sided with or favoured Dr Daoni Esorom in appointments within the National Department of Health.

Mr. Wai is a seasoned health professional, and I have always accorded him respect.

However, the continued proliferation and fabrication of allegations through social media platforms can not be ignored, particularly when they undermine public confidence in established institutions and distract from the critical work of the health sector.

I did not participate in shortlisting, assessment, or selection, nor did I provide preference to any candidate.

Any suggestion to the contrary is false.

The appointment of Mr. Pascoe Kase as Secretary for Health followed a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process conducted strictly in accordance with established public service procedures.

The process was independently facilitated by the Department of Personnel Management, the Public Service Commission, and a reputable external human resource firm, Vanguard International.

The outcome of this process was subsequently presented to the National Executive Council, which made its decision in the best interests of the health sector and the country.

This decision has been clearly explained by both the Prime Minister and the Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, and has received broad support and commendation from Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officers, Chairman of the National Health Board and the PNG Medical Board, the Health Extension Officers (HEO) Workers Association, the Nurses Association. the Health Support Workers Association, senior academics including Professor Tefuarani and the academic leadership of the newly established University of Medicine and Health Sciences, as well as the Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea.

There has also been deliberate misrepresentation of the Department of Personnel Management policy regarding term limits for departmental heads. As clearly advised by the secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, Mrs. Taies Sansan, the policy does not impose a permanent prohibition on former departmental heads from reappointment. It allows eligible public servants to reapply, provided they have completed their terms and have been out of active public service for the prescribed qualifying period.

DPM confirmed that Mr Pascoe Kase had been out of the public service for five years following the completion of his two terms as a departmental head and therefore met all eligibility requirements. His application was duly assessed, shortlisted, and cleared through all required processes before progressing through the appropriate approval mechanisms to NEC. There was no breach of policy, no selective application of rules, and no deviation from due process.

It is necessary to correct the public record on the central and material issue again regarding Mr. Ken Wai’s non-selection.

From the outset, Mr. Wai’s name was removed from the shortlist forwarded by the Public Service Commission to NEC due to serious and substantiated integrity concerns arising from multiple and inconsistent records of his date of birth. Available documentation clearly demonstrates that Mr. Wai altered and presented different birth dates on at least three separate occasions, reflected across his birth certificates, statutory declaration, and passport. Further, these altered details were subsequently entered into the ALESCO payroll system in collaboration with the Human Resource Manager at the National Department of Health. All records evidencing these actions are available.

This conduct is fraudulent in nature and constitutes a serious breach of integrity and trust, wholly incompatible with the standards expected of a Secretary for Health. It was this documented conduct and nothing else that disqualified Mr. Wai from proceeding beyond the shortlisting stage. It was not the action of the Minister for Health, nor the Prime Minister, nor any political authority. It was the direct consequence of Mr. Wai’s own actions.

Mr. Wai has also alleged that I improperly directed or favored the appointment of Dr. Daoni Esorom to senior positions within the Department. This allegation is equally false and misleading. Any directives issued by me in relation to the appointment of a Deputy Secretary for Corporate Services were made strictly in my capacity as the Minister responsible and were driven by clear operational and governance priorities within the National Department of Health.

While progress was being made in clinical standards and governance, there were persistent inefficiencies, weak coordination, and high levels of underperformance within the department’s corporate functions, which oversee finance, human resources, medical supplies, Provincial Health Authority operations, partnerships, and international collaborations. These weaknesses were directly affecting service delivery, development partner confidence, and the effective implementation of key reforms.

I am fully aware that Dr. Daoni Esorom responded to previous allegations raised against him and was duly cleared. His professional record includes demonstrated leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of order at Laloki Psychiatric Hospital, the timely progression of the National Anaesthetic and Obstetrics Policy which enabled NEC approval and the subsequent successful kidney transplant program, and the long-outstanding transfer of Buka Hospital functions to the Autonomous Bougainville Government.

These were critical matters that had remained unresolved for an extended period.

At the same time, a number of significant and long-standing priorities remained unaddressed, including the implementation of the NEC decision to establish the Health Services Commission to address the direct deployment of health workers after graduation, the establishment of a central Project Management Unit to coordinate PIP-funded infrastructure projects for PHAs in collaboration with development partners, poorly coordinated medical supply reforms, non-standardisation of PHA executive and specialist positions, weak human resource and financial coordination with DPM and the Department of Finance, outstanding bilateral Memoranda of Agreement with limited or uncoordinated implementation, and long-overdue amendments to health laws and policies. These issues, among others, have contributed to the current state of ineffective and inefficient functioning within the National Department of Health.

It was solely for these reasons, and in the best interests of strengthening corporate governance and operational efficiency, that I issued clear instructions to Mr Wai to recruit Dr Daoni Esorom to assist in improving the performance of the department’s corporate services.

Instead, Mr. Wai appointed a junior officer to act in the role, a decision that raised serious concerns among our development partners. Despite repeated directives to address this matter, the appointment was not effected, and the junior officer subsequently left the position abruptly.

As the Minister responsible and as a long-serving health professional, I was deeply concerned by the manner in which the department was being led.

The WhatsApp messages now being selectively referenced were made with no sinister intent and solely in the best interests of restoring effective leadership, governance, and performance within the department.

I therefore urge Mr Ken Wai to respect himself, respect the institutions of the state, and respect the decision of the National Executive Council.

Attempts to relitigate this matter through social media only serve to undermine stability within the health sector at a time when continuity and focus are essential.

As we enter the festive season, I call on all stakeholders and partners to remain focused and to continue supporting the Marape–Rosso Government in delivering accessible, reliable, and quality health care to the people of Papua New Guinea.

Let us refrain from the spread of malice and misinformation and instead engage in responsible leadership and reasoned dialogue that rekindles hope for a stronger and healthier future for our nation.

I wish to take this opportunity also to extend my sincere appreciation to all health workers, administrators, professionals, and partners across the country for their dedication and service throughout what has been a challenging year.

On behalf of the government and the Ministry of Health, I wish everyone in the health sector a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May this festive season be a time of rest, renewal, and reflection, and may the year ahead strengthen our collective commitment to unity, professionalism, and the delivery of quality health care for all Papua New Guineans.

______________

HON. ELIAS KAPAVORE, MP.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH

STATEMENT BY THE MINISTER FOR HEALTH ON ALLEGATIONS ON SOCIAL MEDIA CLAIMS BY THE OUTGOING ACTING HEALTH SECRETARY

I have noted with serious concern the statements being circulated on social media and other platforms by the former Acting Secretary for Health, Ken Wai, with misleading allegations, including claims that his removal from office was influenced by the Minister for Health and that I improperly sided with or favoured Dr Daoni Esorom in appointments within the National Department of Health.

Mr. Wai is a seasoned health professional, and I have always accorded him respect. 

 

However, the continued proliferation and fabrication of allegations through social media platforms can not be ignored, particularly when they undermine public confidence in established institutions and distract from the critical work of the health sector. 

 

I did not participate in shortlisting, assessment, or selection, nor did I provide preference to any candidate.

Any suggestion to the contrary is false.

 

The appointment of Mr. Pascoe Kase as Secretary for Health followed a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based recruitment process conducted strictly in accordance with established public service procedures.

The process was independently facilitated by the Department of Personnel Management, the Public Service Commission, and a reputable external human resource firm, Vanguard International.

The outcome of this process was subsequently presented to the National Executive Council, which made its decision in the best interests of the health sector and the country.

This decision has been clearly explained by both the Prime Minister and the Secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, and has received broad support and commendation from Provincial Health Authority Chief Executive Officers, Chairman of the National Health Board and the PNG Medical Board, the Health Extension Officers (HEO) Workers Association, the Nurses Association. the Health Support Workers Association, senior academics including Professor Tefuarani and the academic leadership of the newly established University of Medicine and Health Sciences, as well as the Chancellor of the University of Papua New Guinea.

There has also been deliberate misrepresentation of the Department of Personnel Management policy regarding term limits for departmental heads. As clearly advised by the secretary for the Department of Personnel Management, Mrs. Taies Sansan, the policy does not impose a permanent prohibition on former departmental heads from reappointment. It allows eligible public servants to reapply, provided they have completed their terms and have been out of active public service for the prescribed qualifying period.

DPM confirmed that Mr Pascoe Kase had been out of the public service for five years following the completion of his two terms as a departmental head and therefore met all eligibility requirements. His application was duly assessed, shortlisted, and cleared through all required processes before progressing through the appropriate approval mechanisms to NEC. There was no breach of policy, no selective application of rules, and no deviation from due process.

 

It is necessary to correct the public record on the central and material issue again regarding Mr. Ken Wai’s non-selection. 

 

From the outset, Mr. Wai’s name was removed from the shortlist forwarded by the Public Service Commission to NEC due to serious and substantiated integrity concerns arising from multiple and inconsistent records of his date of birth. Available documentation clearly demonstrates that Mr. Wai altered and presented different birth dates on at least three separate occasions, reflected across his birth certificates, statutory declaration, and passport. Further, these altered details were subsequently entered into the ALESCO payroll system in collaboration with the Human Resource Manager at the National Department of Health. All records evidencing these actions are available.

This conduct is fraudulent in nature and constitutes a serious breach of integrity and trust, wholly incompatible with the standards expected of a Secretary for Health. It was this documented conduct and nothing else that disqualified Mr. Wai from proceeding beyond the shortlisting stage. It was not the action of the Minister for Health, nor the Prime Minister, nor any political authority. It was the direct consequence of Mr. Wai’s own actions.

Mr. Wai has also alleged that I improperly directed or favored the appointment of Dr. Daoni Esorom to senior positions within the Department. This allegation is equally false and misleading. Any directives issued by me in relation to the appointment of a Deputy Secretary for Corporate Services were made strictly in my capacity as the Minister responsible and were driven by clear operational and governance priorities within the National Department of Health.

 

While progress was being made in clinical standards and governance, there were persistent inefficiencies, weak coordination, and high levels of underperformance within the department’s corporate functions, which oversee finance, human resources, medical supplies, Provincial Health Authority operations, partnerships, and international collaborations. These weaknesses were directly affecting service delivery, development partner confidence, and the effective implementation of key reforms.

 

I am fully aware that Dr. Daoni Esorom responded to previous allegations raised against him and was duly cleared. His professional record includes demonstrated leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of order at Laloki Psychiatric Hospital, the timely progression of the National Anaesthetic and Obstetrics Policy which enabled NEC approval and the subsequent successful kidney transplant program, and the long-outstanding transfer of Buka Hospital functions to the Autonomous Bougainville Government. 

 

These were critical matters that had remained unresolved for an extended period.

 

At the same time, a number of significant and long-standing priorities remained unaddressed, including the implementation of the NEC decision to establish the Health Services Commission to address the direct deployment of health workers after graduation, the establishment of a central Project Management Unit to coordinate PIP-funded infrastructure projects for PHAs in collaboration with development partners, poorly coordinated medical supply reforms, non-standardisation of PHA executive and specialist positions, weak human resource and financial coordination with DPM and the Department of Finance, outstanding bilateral Memoranda of Agreement with limited or uncoordinated implementation, and long-overdue amendments to health laws and policies. These issues, among others, have contributed to the current state of ineffective and inefficient functioning within the National Department of Health.

 

It was solely for these reasons, and in the best interests of strengthening corporate governance and operational efficiency, that I issued clear instructions to Mr Wai to recruit Dr Daoni Esorom to assist in improving the performance of the department’s corporate services. 

 

Instead, Mr. Wai appointed a junior officer to act in the role, a decision that raised serious concerns among our development partners. Despite repeated directives to address this matter, the appointment was not effected, and the junior officer subsequently left the position abruptly.

 

As the Minister responsible and as a long-serving health professional, I was deeply concerned by the manner in which the department was being led.

 

The WhatsApp messages now being selectively referenced were made with no sinister intent and solely in the best interests of restoring effective leadership, governance, and performance within the department.

I therefore urge Mr Ken Wai to respect himself, respect the institutions of the state, and respect the decision of the National Executive Council. 

 

Attempts to relitigate this matter through social media only serve to undermine stability within the health sector at a time when continuity and focus are essential.

 

As we enter the festive season, I call on all stakeholders and partners to remain focused and to continue supporting the Marape–Rosso Government in delivering accessible, reliable, and quality health care to the people of Papua New Guinea. 

 

Let us refrain from the spread of malice and misinformation and instead engage in responsible leadership and reasoned dialogue that rekindles hope for a stronger and healthier future for our nation.

 

I wish to take this opportunity also to extend my sincere appreciation to all health workers, administrators, professionals, and partners across the country for their dedication and service throughout what has been a challenging year. 

 

On behalf of the government and the Ministry of Health, I wish everyone in the health sector a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. May this festive season be a time of rest, renewal, and reflection, and may the year ahead strengthen our collective commitment to unity, professionalism, and the delivery of quality health care for all Papua New Guineans.

______________

HON. ELIAS KAPAVORE, MP.

MINISTER FOR HEALTH

Dr Daoni's response to Outgoing Acting secretary Mr Ken Wai social media post allegations

 

Dr Daoni Esorom

Date: 24/12/25

Time: 5pm.

I don't usually respond to social media posts when issues arise in my line of duty unless I am compelled to. However, the post by Mr Wai on the 24/12/25 contains alot of serious allegations that has compelled me to respond. 

 

(1) Instructions to the Acting Secretary by Minister. 

Instructions by Minister to the acting department head to improve department functions, operations and health service delivery are lawful Instructions that must be carried out by the secretary. The Health Minister directives to the acting health secretary were in order and I was ready to take up the position of deputy secretary - national policy and corporate services - to move the functions of this key wing of the NDOH. The wing currently lacks leadership and have failed to deliver on some of the core corporate functions of the department. This wing is critical to the functions of the health sector and deals with - health policies, laws & regulations, budget formulation and mornitoring, PHA reforms, coordination and support, HR and workforce, IR, service delivery and partner contracts management amongst other key functions. It was done with the noble intention to complete the outstanding - policies, review of long outstanding laws and regulations, HR and work force issues, PHA reforms, improve corporate  governance, medical supplies reforms and other key outstanding corporate functional functions/activities. 

 

(2) Appointment as Acting Executive Manager - Strategic Policy Division (15 April - 15 July 2025

During these 3 months period as the A/Executive Manager the team that I led successfully under took the following (a) Kidney transplant - we ensured that the surgical team at PMGH who undertook the first kidney transplant had the - policy, legal, ethical and operational cover (b) Completed the initial concept paper on the set up of the health services commission to address the critical health workforce shortages in the health sector (c) Finalized the MOU and instruments for the transfer of all the health powers to the government of AROB. This has been outstanding since the agreement between the GoPNG and AROB in 2001 peace agreement. The health sector was one of the last sectors to fully delegate these powers to the Autonomous government. 

 

(3). Ministerial instructions to resolve the social directorate and mental health & Laloki hospital outstanding problems.

From the 18 Oct 2024 - 18 Feb 2025. On the 18 Oct 2024 I was appointed by the Health Minister to solve the long standing management challenges at the Social Change & Mental Health Directorate (SC & MHD) and Laloki psychiatric hospital. These institutional problems have taken the NDOH 11 years to resolve with minimal successes. Ministers and health secretaries have come and gone; they have even gone to court to resolve the ongoing problems but none have been able to resolve these institutional problems. The outgoing acting health secretary has been a member of the SEM for 14 years but has not been able to resolve these institutional problems. When appointed by the Health Minister, the team I lead got it resolved in 3 months. We developed the corporate governance and clinical governance frameworks to address the management challenges in the directorate including a clinical governance framework for the Laloki hospital. At the same time lead the investigations into the management of the directorate and Laloki hospital. The police is currently continuing its investigations. I can't comment anymore on this matter as police investigations are ongoing and the case(s) are in court. Why am I highlighting these facts? This is to ensure that our people understand that the Ministerial instructions given to me via the secretary's office were all successfully implemented and were completed in the shortest time possible and with successful outcomes. I am a performer and the teams that I have led have managed some of most challenging health problems that PNG have faced. These include: HIV, polio, infectious diseases outbreaks and recently the the CoVID-19 pandemic. These includes instituting key interventions to some of the organizational challenges within the health system. The instructions given to Acting Secretary if complied with would have resulted in completing some of the long outstanding and critical health reforms, health policies, outstanding laws and regulations and most importantly reforms to the medical supplies system to ensure that our country does not run out of medicines and other health commodities. 

 

(4) The Global Fund for HIV, TB and Malaria (GFATM) 

(a) History. I was the Principal Advisor for the STI/HIV/AIDs program from 2002 - 2011. In May 2004, as the Team leader, led the NDOH team and our partners that successfully work on the submission to access USD 30M for the HIV program to fund the global initiative of 3 by 5 and to strengthen the country's health system. The main global objective was to put 3 million HIV patients on HIV treatment by 2005 then. By the end of 2005, PNG as a country achieved 83% coverage of our country target. This was the first ever successful HIV GFATM submission for PNG. PNG then was one of 4 priority countries for the Global Fund that also included China, Thailand and Cambodia. The grant was implemented successfully and ended in 2010. I must clarify that I have never managed the National TB and Malaria programs. To link the HIV GFATM grant to these programs is wrong and assertions to allude that funds have been misapplied are serious allegations with no facts and evidences to support them. 

 

(b) Building on the successes of the first grant in 2004, in Feb 2010, again lead our team in NDOH to submit another round (then round 10 of the GFATM) and again we were successful and recieved USD 50M from the GF. I was then the Principal Advisor for the STI/HIV program in NDOH from Feb 2002 - July 2011. Mr Ken Wai assertion that I misapplied USD 3.4M in 2014 is *completely false, a fabricated lie and a serious allegation.* Why? I left the NDOH in July 2011 to pursue other professional interests including private medical practice, going back to Uni to undertake studies for my MBA and also to work in the private sector between July 2011 - April 2018. I was out of NDOH at the material time that Mr Ken Wai is making these serious and baseless allegations. I was recall to NDOH from the private sector in June 2018 by the health secretary then to manage the national polio outbreak.

 

Why? Because the health department could not find any capable person to manage the national polio outbreak. The outcome - we interrupted the polio virus from spreading in 4 months and eliminated polio in 6 months. In the process saving more than 3 million PNG children that would have been severely affected by polio. We undertook 8 rounds of supplementary immunization activity (SIA) rounds over 2 years (June 2018 - Nov 2020). Each round achieving 98% coverage of the set targeted children population. A feat never before achieved in PNG whether in the SIAs or routine immunization (RI). As a result PNG got the award for the best managed disease outbreak response in the Western Pacific region (WPRO) during this period. It is important to note that between this period 2018 - 2020 the same team that I was leading was managing 2 concurrent infectious disease outbreaks- polio and the CoVID-19 pandemic. A very difficult and challenging situation for our country to be in. 

 

I am a performer in the health sector and professionals in the health sector, both in PNG and internationally, and our partners know my history and achievements. I urge the outgoing acting health secretary to be mindful of what he posts and circulates on social media. *Venting your frustrations on social media for not being appointed as the health secretary and blaming the portfolio Minister and colleagues on social media is childish, immature, unprofessional and well below the belt.* This is after the competent government agencies and NEC has made the appointment for the health secretary. And may I remind the outgoing Acting Health Secretary that we have laws that protect citizens including the Cyber Crime Act that citizens can utilize to seek legal redress if they are aggrieved. Instructions have been given to my lawyers to deal with these serious allegations circulated by the aggrieved outgoing acting health secretary on social media.

 

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026 everyone.

Outgoing Acting Health Secretary Claims Integrity Cost Him Permanent Appointment

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.

Calls Mount for Permanent Health Secretary as Medical Supplies Concerns Rise

The National Doctors Association (NDA) has raised serious concerns over the prolonged delay by the National Government in appointing a permanent Secretary for the Department of Health, warning that the leadership vacuum is undermining stability and progress in one of Papua New Guinea’s most vital public institutions.

In a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister James Marape and Health Minister Elias Kapavore, the NDA expressed frustration that the position has remained unfilled for 13 to 14 months, despite repeated calls from health workers and sector partners for urgent action.

According to the association, Acting Secretary Ken Wai, a seasoned health administrator, has been holding the position under two officially gazetted acting extensions.

The second extension expired on 11 November 2025.

As of the time the letter was written, 27 days had passed without any new gazettal to either extend Mr Wai’s acting role or appoint a permanent Secretary.

This has left the department without a legally recognised head during a period of significant national health challenges.

The NDA emphasized that Mr Wai has performed strongly while in the acting role.

Outgoing Secretary Dr Osborne Liko, in his official handover report, described Wai’s leadership as “outstanding,” a sentiment that was echoed by key health sector stakeholders, including Church Health Services and international partners working closely with the Department of Health.

These endorsements, the NDA argued, further highlight the urgency of resolving the leadership gap rather than prolonging uncertainty.

The association noted that the department is responsible for life-saving work, overseeing public health, curative services, medical supply chains and overall sector planning.

Any disruption or uncertainty in leadership, they warned, risks slowing down essential reforms and weakening service delivery.

The letter pointed out that the Department of Health is currently in the final stages of major restructuring to align with the National Health Plan 2021–2030 and broader government priorities.

“Without a permanent Secretary, these ongoing reforms could stall at a time when effective and stable guidance is needed more than ever.

The NDA also addressed recent concerns about medical supply shortages and public criticism directed toward the department.

“While acknowledging these issues, the association welcomed recent updates that medical supplies including essential medicines have been secured through front-loading measures expected to last until June 2026.

It congratulated the Health Minister, senior management and the government for stabilising the supply chain.

Nevertheless, the letter stressed that success in securing medical supplies must be strengthened by strong administrative leadership to ensure continuity, accountability and efficient distribution.

Another major concern highlighted in the letter was the leaked shortlist of candidates for the Secretary’s position that circulated on social media, causing widespread speculation and debate.

The NDA called on the government to honour its earlier commitment to conduct a full investigation into the leak and release its findings to restore confidence in the appointment process.

The letter ends with an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Marape and Minister Kapavore, stating that the country, the health workforce and development partners all require immediate clarity.

The association insisted that the leadership vacuum must be resolved without further delay, stressing that the effectiveness of PNG’s health system and the welfare of its citizens depends on strong, stable and transparent leadership from the top.