Health Care Law at Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea (PNG) has a multifaceted healthcare legal framework comprising foundational laws, recent legislative reforms, and strategic policies aimed at improving public health and healthcare delivery. Here's an overview of the key components:
🏛️ Foundational Healthcare Legislation
1. National Health Administration Act 1997
This Act established the National Health Board and set the framework for health administration in PNG. However, it has become outdated due to significant changes in health system governance, such as the decentralization of health services to provincial authorities. To address these issues, the National Health Administration (Amendment) Bill 2023 was introduced to update and align health laws with current realities. (Prime Minister Introduces National Health Administration (Amendment) Bill 2023 to Address Outdated Health Legislation – Department of Prime Minister and National Executive Council)
2. Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007
This Act transferred responsibility for health service delivery to Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs), allowing for more localized management and decision-making. It outlines the functions and powers of PHAs, including the provision of public health and curative services, and their collaboration with provincial governments and other stakeholders. (Provincial Health Authorities Act 2007)
3. Public Health Act 1973
This Act provides the legal basis for public health measures in PNG, covering areas such as sanitation, disease control, and health surveillance. The Public Health Amendment Act 2020 updated penalty provisions and compliance requirements to enhance enforcement and align with constitutional standards. (Public Health Act 1973, Public Health Amendment Act / Act No. 11 of 2020 | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
🆕 Recent Legislative Reforms
National Pandemic Act 2020
This Act was enacted to manage public health emergencies, such as pandemics and pestilences. It establishes a National Control Centre, appoints a Controller and Deputy Controller, and outlines coordination mechanisms across provinces and stakeholders during health emergencies. (National Pandemic Act 2020 (Papua New Guinea) | ADB’s Law and Policy Reform Program)
đź“‹ Strategic Health Policies
1. National Health Plan 2021–2030
This comprehensive plan serves as the guiding document for PNG's health sector, focusing on equitable access to quality healthcare, strengthening health systems, and addressing key health priorities. It emphasizes community engagement and partnerships to achieve its objectives. (Papua New Guinea national health plan 2021-2030, volume 1: Policies and strategies | GPC)
2. Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) Policy 2015–2030
This policy aims to improve access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene, particularly in rural and peri-urban areas. It sets minimum standards and outlines strategies for service delivery, hygiene behavior change, and institutional responsibilities. (Papua New Guinea Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH) Policy 2015-2030. | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
3. National Nutrition Policy 2016–2026
This policy addresses malnutrition through a multi-sectoral approach, focusing on prevention, treatment, and control of undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. It includes strategies for capacity building, research, and coordination among sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. (Papua New Guinea National Nutrition Policy 2016-2026. | UNEP Law and Environment Assistance Platform)
4. National School Health Policy
This policy aims to promote the health and well-being of school-aged children by addressing areas such as nutrition, sexual and reproductive health education, substance abuse prevention, and the provision of health services in schools. (National school health policy | Health and Education Resource Centre)
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