The Public Accounts Committee, Port Moresby (2026)

12/09/2020

+++Public Accounts Committee Presents Health Enquiry Report in Parliament+++

The Public Accounts Committee presented its First of 2 Reports from its Inquiry in the supply, procurement and distribution of medicines in PNG to Parliament.

The First Report outlines a way forward that will address the issues that have resulted in medicine shortages around the country.

The Second Report will conclude the findings of alleged corruption and abuse and will be tabled and passed on to relevant state authorities.

Concerns have been raised by the public on their desire to see justice served from the Inquiry. We assure the people that justice will be served and your PAC will do it's part by tabling our findings.

Equally important is for us to seek reform that will bring medicines to the people in our rural communities. For this reason, PAC has moved quickly to propose reforms while the other part of the Inquiry is proceeding. We must make sure our people are not dying from curable diseases.

The PAC faced many challenges; but through strong and decisive leadership from Chairman Hon. Sir John Pundari, Deputy Chairman Hon. Gary Juffa, Hon. Robert Naguri, Hon. Sailo Waipo, Hon. William Tongap and Hon. Phillip Undialu; the Committee was able to overcome these obstacles.

For many years the PAC has been silent and has not been seen to be performing its Constitutional functions. This Committee was very different and have given our people a glimpse of what other thriving democracies around the world enjoy when all arms of Government function to their purpose.

Compared to similar Inquiries and Reports, this was conducted with minimal cost to the public purse and has set a standard for the PAC and other Inquiries in the future.

The Committee gave their committment and especially the Chairman often used his personal resources to produce results. Which has to be acknowledged. Talk is cheap as they say.

Many Inquiries produce nothing with huge public funds spent, and others are stalled waiting for more funds to be allocated.

The Inquiry uncovered gross incompetence and lack of transparency in the Medicine Supply, Procurement and Distribution (MSPD) Branch of the Health Department. This is the branch responsible for awarding of contracts and oversight of the distribution function of medicines.

The main recommendations for reform is to make the failed MSPD branch redundant, and form an independent authority that will oversee the supply and distribution functions of medicines.

The proposed authority will basically:

✅ Evaluate medicine manufacturers and suppliers.

✅ Test medicines as they enter the country.

✅ Use Post PNG to distribute medicines from POM to the 21 provinces.

✅From 21 provincial centres, the Provincial Health Authorities and District Authorities can collect the medicines and deliver to the health facilities themselves or through logistics contractors.

✅ Engage all donors to work in this transparent system to achieve better outcomes.

Why is the authority justified?

⛔ Inadequate testing is being done on drugs entering the country and our people are at risk of being given counterfeit drugs.

⛔ There is a undeniable lack of transparency in the MSPD branch. Ignoring this is costing lives.

⛔ Donors are running their own programs and systems because they do not rust the MSPD branch.

⛔ Over 15,000 children are dying from curable illnesses and 1,800 mothers die from childbirth each year in PNG. This cannot be allowed to continue.

⛔ Financial and procurement constraints are giving rise to delayed payments and deliveries; and a large backlog of outstanding payments exists. This affect performance on contracts.

⛔ The current system has a lack of planning and monitoring capability, and internal controls.

⛔ Past reports have recommended these reforms and have been ignored.

The new system proposed is a practical, transparent and sensible approach in comparison to the tedious, mismanaged system that is currently failing.

The PAC recommendations are supported by various stakeholders in the health fraternity that were engaged in the Inquiry.

The PAC Report was universally welcomed and endorsed by Parliament and we look forward to implementing the reforms.

10/09/2020

By David Ericko

|9th September 2020|

Sir John Pundari took Parliament members by storm when presenting the findings of the Public Accounts Committee on the Inquiry into the Procurement, Supply and Distribution of Medical Drugs by the NDoH.

Although many thought the speech to be long, the findings as stated in the speech stands to be the best by far in years since the establishment of PAC under section 216 of the constitution.

The "2020 Health Inquiry Report" now stands as a "reference point" or if not "a template".

It was clearly outlined that all roads led to the 'Medical Supplies & Distribution Procurement (MSDP) Banch as the impediment in the NDoH medicine supply.

PAC recommended area medical stores be scrapped and an Authority .." National Pharmaceutical Authority" be established immediately to take charge of the medicine supply and medical drug control in the country.

02/08/2020

++NEC frees KPHL from answering to PAC ++

Loop PNG|26th July 2020|

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, Sir John Pundari has expressed sadness that the National Executive Council had withdrawn its earlier decision to have the Kumul Petroleum Holdings answer to the Public Accounts Committee.

He expressed this when announcing the Committee’s decision to suspend its inquiries following court proceedings leveled against the committee.

http://loopfiji-sb.com/png-news/nec-frees-kphl-answering-pac-93693

29/07/2020

++PAC is now Inviting the Public to provide feedbacks on its Health recommendations++

The People’s Public Accounts Committee has approved to officially announce before the people of Papua New Guinea its recommendations from its finding so that the public is engaged fairly to provide their feedbacks on the findings of the Inquiry into the Supply and Procurement of Medical Drugs in the country.

All feedbacks and comments provided by citizens will be screened and included in the final report that will be tabled in the next Parliament Sitting.

|Note: That the Inquiry into the Supply and Procurement of Medical Drugs was divided into two segments.

Part 1: A Roadmap Forward for Health. The Report presents the first and important conclusions and recommendations for reform arising from the Inquiry.

Part 2: Misuse of Public Monies and properties.

Our Inquiry uncovered startling revelations of alleged misuse of public funds , abuse of powers and incompetence at the NDoH.

Enquiries will continue further into the misuse of funds and public properties as the second (2nd) part of the Inquiry, from which referrals will be made to Anti corruption authorities to pursue.

The comments from public will be included in our Report and tabled in Parliament.

You will now see what this Inquiry was truly about. Recommendations have been made from this Inquiry, and an accompanying legislation will be read on the floor of Parliament.

When it is read, we hope you remember the picture of that lonely grave next to one of the abandoned and forgotten aid posts in the remotest outskirts of Papua New Guinea.

|Findings:|

- NDoH displayed complacency, inability, and a lack of willingness to change or act upon clearly identified failures and concerns in its medical procurement and supply system

- AusAID claims and accusations are unproven. Much of the accusations against the contract awarded to Borneo Pacific was based on claims by the Australian Government. The Committee noted the refusal of AusAID to appear and cooperate with the Inquiry to provide evidence and support these claims as unfortunate. Thus, the Committee is of the view that these remain accusations without merit, until proven.

- Breakdown in the Logistics and Distribution system is the main cause for drug shortages

- The risk of counterfeit and sub-standard medication sold at retail outlets is real

- Post PNG is unreasonably being overlooked for distribution contracts for drugs and medical kits

- Absence of real-time, accurate and reliable data for effective decision making

- Contents of 100% Medical kits are not revised and packed according to usage and need

- Area Medical Stores are a bottleneck creating many issues that contribute to delays

- And many more that cannot be listed further here due to limited space.

|RECOMMENDATIONS|

1) GoPNG should consider purchasing medicines directly from manufacturers

2) GoPNG should consider procuring all medicines on behalf of Pharmacies

3) Control every medicine entering the country through a single-entry point

4) Price of medicines and drugs should be controlled by GoPNG.

5) Subsidize medicines for public health from private proceeds

6) Commence testing medicines entering the country in the National Drug Testing Laboratory immediately

7) Construct a Central Facility to pack and warehouse all medicines

8) Upgrade the current UPNG Medical Faculty in Port Moresby into a stand-alone University with specialized medical divisions and build more nursing and Pharmaceutical colleges

9) Involve our development partners in a more centralized Clinical Health system

10) A National Pharmaceutical Authority (NPA) be established and be responsible for the entire procurement, supply and distribution of medicines.

a. A division within the Authority will be specifically responsible for Medicine Safety, Regulation, Licencing and Testing of medical drugs

11) Establish a Centralised Drug Distribution System

12) Outsource or create an agency responsible for managing information and data with respect to medicine stock levels and health facilities

13) Create a medical online profiling system for each of our citizens to keep clinical records of patients (e-clinic book)

Please provide your suggestions, comments and feedback in this space or email your suggestions, comments and recommendations to:...................................

Email 📧 :
[email protected] or
[email protected]

Deadline : Open for feedback until 8th of August 2020.
...................................
On 21st of August 2019, The Public Accounts Committee commenced its Inquiry into the National Department of Health (NDoH) on the procurement, supply and distribution of medicines, medical drugs and equipment in Papua New Guinea.

The Committee resolved to conduct the Inquiry in response to widespread public criticism aimed at two contracts awarded to Borneo Pacific Pharmaceuticals Limited. This was amidst continuous reports of medicine shortages reported by health facilities around the country, spurning public outrage where some doctors and nurses threatened to walk off their jobs.

22/07/2020

By REBECCA KUKU

++Pundari’s committee shackled+++

|22 July 2020|

THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been restrained by the National Court from conducting its inquiries.

Chairman Sir John Pundari told The National yesterday that the inquiry into Old Parliament House had to be cancelled yesterday after Sir Kostas Constantino’s lawyers from Ashurst PNG served an originating summons, taking the matter to court to permanently restrain PAC from conducting the inquiry.
In the court proceedings, Sir Kostas Constantino vs Sir John Pundari and Public Accounts Committee, the plaintiff sought orders, among others, to:

Declare that second defendant (current PAC) lacked legal standing in that it was not properly constituted according to Section 73(1) of the Public Finance (Management) Act; and,
Declare that the purported appointment of the first defendant (Sir John) as the chairman of the second defendant (PAC) by the national parliament contravened Section 73(6) of the Public Finance (Management Act).

Sir John said the legal challenge “questioned the very existence and legitimacy of the PAC”, however, as we have maintained before, we respect the plaintiff’s rights to seek legal redress.
“Similarly, we also respect the courts for our land so we will defend it,” he said.
“Siting as an extension of parliament, the people’s Public Accounts Committee enquires into the expenditure of public funds and properties.

“Our constitutional mandate is simple, we follow `public monies’ and `properties’.
“Whether you are a government official or agency, or a private individual or a private company registered under the Companies Act, as long as public funds and properties have passed through you or to you; be warned that the PAC will be interested in hearing from you in person. Because the PAC’s duty is to ensure that our people get value for their monies and properties.

“In the course, we also examine whether there are weaknesses in the processes and systems, if so, we recommend changes to Parliament.

“It is that simple.
“Therefore, we appeal to those that have dealt with public funds and properties to appear before the committee when summoned.
“See it as an opportunity to clear doubts and misconceptions.
“It is an opportunity to set the records straight.
“Please come assist the committee, don’t fight it.
“Back to the current proceeding.
“Though the committee welcomes it, we are very mindful of the fact that it would be another expensive exercise, costing the people money, legal bills to law firms who ultimately end up being the biggest winners.
“Nevertheless, the committee has resolved to defend this action.
“We will engage our lawyers to file the necessary defence.
“They were successful in obtaining interim orders which have been served on the PAC.

“And we will respect the courts and comply. Therefore, we should unfortunately, inform the people of Papua New Guinea that your Public Accounts Committee cannot do much but to adjourn indefinitely until the court make a determination on the matters before it.”

22/07/2020

ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE ISSUES STERN WARNING

BY FRANK RAI

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has issued a stern warning to individuals summoned to the inquiry of the Old Parliament House that it will apply its powers in no uncertain terms if they fail to appear next week.

Chairman Sir John Pundari issued the warning when adjourning the inquiry to July 21.

Sir John said those who have been summoned to appear are advised that this is not a court room but a committee representing the people that is seeking assistance in the inquiry.

“We summon you to appear to assist the committee by providing information, evidence and facts that we deserve to know,” he said.

“This is the last time this committee will be called and there will be no further deferral.”

Sir John said the committee has been given clearance by the National Pandemic Controller to resume and conduct inquiries by way of observing the ‘new normal.’

He said through a National Executive Council-facilitated process, the land was (allegedly) acquired by the firm OPH Limited.

Sir John said many people have been outraged and called for investigations into the sale and transfer of an important national heritage site to a private firm.

“Serious allegations have been raised against the then-Minister for Lands and Physical Planning, the National Museum’s board of trustees, Clerk of the National Parliament and other relevant stakeholders on the land as a result of what transpired prior to and after the NEC decision was made,” he said.

“The issue was raised on the highest forum of the land – the National Parliament.”

Sir John said the committee conducted an inspection of the purported ‘replica’ of the Old Parliament House and decided to carry out the inquiry.

He said that the inquiry was supposed to resume yesterday morning with Julius Violaris (former president – board of trustee, NMAG), Chris Kabauru (former valuer-general of PNG), Belden Memi (Belden Memi and Associates), Sir Kostas Constantino (director, OPH Limited) and Paul Sayer (chief executive officer, Nambawan Super).

Sir John said the committee received a letter from law firm Ashurst PNG, representing Sir Kostas and OPH Limited, raising various reasons as to why their client should not appear before the inquiry.

Sir John said the committee was once adjourned at the request of the same parties and this was the final extension. He said all parties are expected to appear next week.

He said the current PAC, under his chairmanship and deputy chairman Gary Juffa, was not against any individual but to establish the facts in the interests of justice for the people.

Source: Post-Courier - Thursday, July 16, 2020

23/05/2020

+++PAC INQUIRIES UPDATE+++

|BY PAC CHAIRMAN|22nd May 2020|

As our nation prepares to return to normalcy under the “new normal” guidelines, the P***c Accounts Committee will also resume its duties. The PAC is an extension of Parliament and under the lockdown and SOE orders our functions have been obviously affected.

Our Committee made a press release in early February before the lockdown to inform the nation of our activities and plans. The PAC suspended our Inquiry into the Health Department in February to allow the department to prepare for the imminent threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. The universal threat required an all of government approach and the PAC responded sensibly to allow the relevant government agencies to focus on the threat.

In April of this year, the PAC began another Inquiry into the sale of the old Parliament House. This Inquiry was also put on hold by the two months SOE.

Our Committee has a long list of Inquiries we intend to conduct. Some have been delayed for various reasons and some require more preparation. Below is a brief on the current PAC Inquiries giving an update of their status for public record.

KUMUL PETROLEUM HOLDINGS

This was to be our first Inquiry, but it has been delayed due to the court proceeding filed by KPHL challenging the PAC’s scrutiny into their operations. No further comment will be made in regards to this as the case is before the courts. However, we would like to assure our people that, despite funding constraints, we are legally defending our position and will continue to do so. Truth and justice will prevail.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The Public Accounts Committee resolved to split the Inquiry into two parts:

1. PART I: A ROADMAP FORWARD

The first part has been concluded and our report to Parliament is to be reviewed and approved by the Committee Members. This first report presents the first and important conclusions and recommendations for reform arising from the Inquiry so that our government can start immediately to charter a way forward.

2. PART II: MANAGEMENT, CORRUPTION & ABUSE

Our Inquiry uncovered startling revelations of alleged misuse, abuse and incompetence. Enquiries into these will continue further as the second part of the Inquiry, from which referrals will be made to relevant authorities to pursue. The PAC will ensure principles of justice and the rule of law are upheld and that no stones are left unturned.

We have taken our time and examined carefully and diligently all views, all reports, all documentation and most importantly all the facts in relation to our Inquiry. Health is a cross-cutting issue that involves many different opinions, views and parties. Many opinions were received from a wide spectrum of professionals in the field and our Committee will report these truthfully, genuinely and fairly.

We had planned to table our report in the first Parliament session in early February, but this was momentarily delayed by the coronavirus pandemic. Because of our Inquiry held in the months leading towards the Coronavirus (COVID – 19) pandemic, as a government we were alerted towards the vulnerability of our national health system well before the threat arrived.

We appeal to interest parties, foreign governments, consultants and commentators to allow this Inquiry to reach maturity without jumping to conclusions. For over 40 years we have allowed our health systems to deteriorate and a short-cut approach because of few consultants or opinionated individuals with vested interest is not the solution. What is the rush? Many years of consultations and inquiries have resulted in one thing – failure. You had your turn and you have failed. This PAC will be genuine and find out and report the truth so that we charter a long-term solution for our people.

There are people and organisations on the ground, fighting the good fight every day. Making a difference in the most difficult of situations and times. We cannot allow a few misguided individuals to obscure the efforts of the genuine majority.

We also have a lot to learn from the lessons of this coronavirus pandemic. This is an imported disease. Before that, HIV/AIDS, TB, cancer and many others are also imported diseases. Do we blindly seek for imported solutions? No. We need to focus on practical national solutions and not biased foreign imported solutions. That is why the PAC has assembled a qualified, independent and genuine team that will report unbiasedly on the facts, and continue our work without fear, intimidation or favour.

SALE OF OLD PARLIAMENT

The PAC commenced this Inquiry in April and it is in progress. Like the Inquiry into Health, this was directly affected and delayed due to the shutdown of parliamentary services. Being a short and straightforward Inquiry, our reports, recommendations and referrals to state authorities will be concluded as soon as practicably possible when Parliament duties resume.

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT - TFF POLICY

Another major Inquiry that has been delayed due to the pandemic. The focus of our Inquiry will be on the TFF policy that cost the national purse billions of kina. We will examine carefully and diligently to find out exactly how these taxpayer funds were spent. Notices and summons have been prepared and this Inquiry will start on full throttle in the coming weeks.

OTHER INQUIRIES

Many more organisations and programs have been given notice to come under PAC scrutiny. These include:
1. APEC expenditure,
2. the NID program
3. BSP Home Ownership Scheme,
4. Durand Farm,
5 National Housing Corporation,
6. MRDC
7. Department of Works and more.

We have faced legal challenge, financial constraints and adversity from the very beginning. Regardless, we assure our people that from when we started this journey with the hope, conviction and promise born from the formation of the new Marape-Stevens Government last year, we have neither faltered nor fled. We are staying the course for our people.

We are pressing forward like no other government and Public Accounts Committee before us. Credit must be given where due, to the Marape-Stevens Government and the Members of this Committee. We have succeeded in awakening the patriotic hearts of our people from these Inquiries, and we will continue to ensure that the promise of a government for the people, by the people, and of the people, shall never perish from this land.

God Bless Papua New Guinea

Sir John Thomas Pundari

14/03/2020

++THOUGH CORONAVIRUS EPIDEMIC AFFECTING HEALTH ENQUIRY, RECOMMENDATIONS FOR DRUG DISTRIBUTIONS READY++

Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee Sir John Pundari informed the public that the PAC Inquiry into the Distribution of Medical drugs has been delayed to give ample time for National Department of Health to attend to it's Coronavirus(COVID-19) preparatory programs and activies which has become a Global Epidemic.

"We would like to inform the public that the PAC Inquiry into Health which was scheduled to resume on February 5 of this year has been put on hold."

"The Committee is mindful of the real threat to our people in relation to the Coronavirus, and has chosen to give the Health Department time to attend to this."

"It is important for us to weigh our priorities and to be considerate of the realities. We would be distracting the Health Department and want them focus on the task at hand." Said Sir John.

The Chairman continued by encouraging the Health Department to be proactive against the Coronavirus threat. "There is no room for complacency. By now we should have the basic strategy in place to prevent, treat and contain infection that arrives in our country. Our people expect us and demand that we have protective measures in place."

"The PAC assures the public that we will commence the Inquiry proper when the threat of the Coronavirus has been contained."

The PAC has divided the Inquiry into 2 parts. The first is over and a Report for Parliament is being finalised that will be tabled in the next Parliament session. This Report outlines reform for medicines procurement, supply and distribution.

The second part of the Inquiry involves allegations of misconduct and corruption. This will continue on.

PAC will focus on their contractors said Sir John. "We are pursuing leads into logistics companies and contactors, reviewing their books, and accounts to ensure that they have been in compliance with relevant laws of PNG."

"Notices have been sent out to these companies, to provide information. They will have to prove they have adhered to our laws and of course, are fulfilling their taxation obligations."

"Our course is set." Promised Sir John. "There will be no stones left unturned."

10/03/2020

/***10th March 2020 ***/
1st Day

++PNG’s historic building, the old House of Assembly, has now come under the microscope of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee+++

This morning the Committee will be taken on a tour of the building and the land that it was situated on.

Yesterday the Committee, headed by the Member for Kompiam-Ambum Sir John Pundari and his members, held the first hearing at Parliament House.

Lands and Physical Planning Secretary Benjamin Samson was the first witness to assist the committee.

Mr Samson basically gave the committee a brief rundown of the land on which the historic building is situated, NEC decisions that led to the land given to a private company to develop, the value of the land and how it was divided into two portions.

Chairman Sir John said: “The Committee has started the Inquiry into the old House of Assembly after receiving numerous complaints on the land that the building is located, the transactions that occurred and whether it was beneficial for the people of PNG.”
He also stated that a number of investigations have been conducted in to this historic building, among them the Ombudsman Commission.

We are not against any individual but just to establish the facts and do justice for our people, and our people deserve to know what happens to the public properties and public assets and this particular property is what we call an historic site and people called here are to assist the committee in its inquires, and therefore I welcome everyone here who are here to assist the Committee in its inquiries.”
The director of the National Museum Dr Andrew Moutu and some board members of the National Museum and Art Gallery also appeared and were sworn in but they would be testifying this morning after the site visit by the PAC team.

29/01/2020

++Condolence Message to the Family of Late Timot Kavanamur+++

The recent horrific tragedy in Suyan Porgera, Enga Province where Policemen were ambused killing one officer on duty is a grave reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers (Police, Army and Corrections Officers) face each day in service of our country. I pray for Late Timot Kavanamur who was gunned down by criminals and warlords.

I also pray for the other police officers who lost their lives in the service of our people, and for their grieving families.

On behalf of the people of Enga Province where Late Timot Kavanamur was shot and killed, I extend my deepest condolences to the loved ones and colleagues of RPNGC Officer Timot Kavanamur who bravely gave his life in the line of duty. This tragedy is yet another solemn reminder of the sacrifice men and women in law enforcement make each and every day when they put on the uniform and answer the call to serve, not knowing if they'll come home to their families at the end of their shift or duty tours.

Timot Kavanamur's ultimate sacrifice in service of the Porgera community, Enga Province and Papua New Guinea must never be forgotten by our people and the state.

Reports of this killing bringing the number of policemen killed to four within the short space of time must be alarming, in fact it is in fact an internal National Security issue. Two Mt Hagen based 06 mobile squad policemen, Glen Jimmy Galang and Alex Kopa, were shot dead during the 2017 national elections in Wabag, Enga Province. One policeman was shot death in Poroma in Southern Highlands Province and another sustained a severe injury and last year another member of the Tari-based mobile squad 09 was allegedly shot to death in Hela Province. Three weeks ago two mobile squads from Mt Hagen engaged to the special operations in Porgera Valley were shot and several are undergoing medical treatment in Port Moresby.

Fellow Papua New Guineans, despite all our critics to the Policemen, know that every day, the families of Policemen watch their loved ones leave the safety their home to protect us, not knowing if they will return.

I also pray for the other police officers who lost their lives in the service of our people, and for their grieving families.

As a fellow citizen of this country I honor the courage and sacrifice of the Policemen and other law enforcement officers. As leaders of this country, i call on the government to now open discussions around improving the Law & Order situation in the country. We must not stop at "gun surrender" and piece mill approaches, we must start the important national dialogue around reforming our entire criminal justice system. Killing of law enforcement officers left right center is an indication that the existing system is not working. So let's fix it holistically.

I commend the Commissioner David Manning for the tough call to introduce death penalty. In fact death penalty is provided by our laws but has not been utilized. Hence, my call to reform the criminal justice system in full which will automatically address the issue of death penaly as well.

This day Timots family and colleagues mourn the loss of this brave soul, I ask all Papua New Guineans to pray for the safety of every RPNGC law enforcement officer and their families.

God Bless our Country.

Sir John Pundari, MBA, CMG, KBE, MP

Parliamentary Leader of Liberal Party

The Public Accounts Committee

12/09/2020

10/09/2020

02/08/2020

29/07/2020

22/07/2020

22/07/2020

23/05/2020

14/03/2020

10/03/2020

29/01/2020

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