The National Department of Health, through its Standard wing is working with the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) Health Ministry to assess health facilities standards and strengthen health system as Bougainville prepares for greater autonomy.
Deputy Secretary for Health, Compliance and Standards Dr. Dora Lenturut said the discussions are focused on determining how the national department can support the development of Bougainville's health system.
She said the National Department of Health and the ABG are discussing health facility assessments and standards that could provide a stronger foundation for the region's health services.
“We are just trying to help them do an assessment for the health facilities in AROB just to help them set a platform for them for the future when they have their own autonomous government, then at least the health system is already in place. So there has already been ongoing discussion between the ABG government health ministry and our Standards Wing to help them properly to setting up” Dr. Lenturut said.
Dr. Lenturut said the work would help establish a stronger platform for Bougainville's health system as the region progresses toward greater autonomy.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is also considering a proposal to extend the retirement age for health professionals to 70.
Meanwhile, Dr. Lenturut briefly highlighted some discussion in development on whether the retirement age for health professionals could be extended to 70.
However, she stressed that no decision has been made and the proposal is still at an initial discussion stage.
“That is not official yet. It is not yet formal, and it is still on the table for discussion, but hopefully we can make some fruitful progress in this discussion” she said.
Dr. Lenturit said the proposal is being considered because experienced health professionals could continue contributing their knowledge and skills beyond the current retirement age.
She said retaining experienced doctors and other health professionals could help the health system make better use of their expertise.
The proposal remains under discussion and has not been formally adopted by the Health Ministry.
