The East New Britain (ENB) Provincial Health Authority (PHA) in its first quarterly review on programs implemented so far this year, 2026, has taken note of its funding allocations from a number of sources.

Although the PHA requested K150 million to implement the Annual Implementation Program (AIP), the authority was allocated half of that amount, totaling K56 million.

ENBPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr Ako Yap stated that they had no choice but to work within the ceiling budget and implement most of the AIPs for this year.

Nevertheless, there is funding from other baskets to bridge the gaps.

“It is good to have the provincial government through the leadership of Governor Michael Marum, to now fully recognize the importance of health in the province.”

“For the first time since a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed in 2019, an allocation of K11.4 million was made.”

“This funding is further tied down for the new Wairiki Rural Hospital project in the Gazelle district and other health delivery initiatives such as WASH, Healthy Island Concept and medical equipment.”

Meanwhile, the PHA will continue to rely on the District Development Authorities (DDAs) to fund all health facilities in respective districts as stipulated by the law that twenty percent of the District Service Improvement Program (DSIP) is budgeted for health facilities.

To ensure these funds are utilized, Dr. Yap has directed all District Health Coordinators (DHCs) to strengthen their partnerships with their respective DDAs and ensure timely submissions for funding.

“The government is showing signs of frustrations that aid posts are not in operations, but funding is under the DDA budget where DHCs must access.”