THE K1.4 billion allocation for the health sector in the 2014 national budget is focused on the upgrade and redevelopment of health facilities.
It is an increase of K373.8 million from the 2013 allocation.
The allocation includes K335.8 million in donor grants and loans.
The Department of Health will receive K666.4 million while the Hospital Management Services programme receives K516.2 million.
Treasurer Don Polye said funding for this sector would support the upgrade and re-development of 16 hospitals. It includes:
K45.2 million for Angau Memorial Hospital with an additional K45.2million from the Australian government;
K50 million for Enga Hospital;
K30 million for Port Moresby General Hospital; and,
K8 million for the design of two new hospitals in Central and Hela.
“K114 million is provided for the provincial and district hospitals in Boram (Wewak), Daru, Kerema, Kundiawa, Manus, Mendi, Modilon (Madang), Mt Hagen, Nonga (Rabaul), Popondetta and Vanimo.
“The key component in the government’s investment in the sector for the budget is the hospitals infrastructure redevelopment package at a cost of K267.2 milllion.”
Polye said the Government had provided K20 million for the fee-free primary health care policy.
When the policy was implemented, people would receive primary medical assistance from any public health facility without paying fees.