12/08/2026
NCDPHA Seeks Increased Funding to Sustain Expanded Health Services
THE National Capital District Provincial Health Authority (NCDPHA) is seeking increased government funding in 2027 to sustain expanded health services across Port Moresby, after years of budget allocations fell well below its assessed needs.
NCDPHA has submitted its 2027 annual budget to the Department of Treasury, seeking funding to maintain 24-hour health services, support new hospital operations and expand treatment capacity across the capital.
The authority said its appropriations over the past four years had averaged only 40 to 60 per cent of its assessed requirements, placing pressure on service delivery as patient numbers and health facilities continued to increase.
NCDPHA chief executive officer Dr Robin Oge said the 2027 submission reflected the actual cost of services already operating or planned for the city.
“This is a realistic and fully justified submission. Every kina requested is tied to a service our people are already using or are about to receive,” Dr Oge said.
The proposed budget includes funding for 24-hour operations at Metoreia Urban Health Centre, including birthing services, and the continuation of 24-hour services at Six Mile Polyclinic.
Six Mile Polyclinic is currently managing Category 3 and 4 cases to help reduce pressure on Port Moresby General Hospital.
Funding is also being sought to expand 24-hour services at health facilities in Morata, Gordons, Tokarara and Lawes Road.
The submission further provides for the operationalisation of the new Port Moresby South District Hospital, an extension at Gerehu Provincial Hospital for birthing and surgical services, an upgrade of the Emergency Department and construction of a new 20-bed tuberculosis ward at Six Mile.
NCDPHA said its services cater for more than 845,000 people across the National Capital District and Motu Koitabu areas, in addition to patients from neighbouring Central and Gulf provinces.
“We have opened new facilities and extended clinics to 24 hours because that is what the population of this city needs,” Dr Oge said.
“We are now asking the National Government to fund those services properly so that they are safe, sustainable and staffed.”
The 2027 budget submission has been endorsed by NCDPHA senior management and approved by its Board of Governance.
It is now awaiting consideration by the Budget Screening Committee.