Everyone is vulnerable to loss of good health, but those who are poor are most susceptible to a range of diseases and illnesses. The impact is great for those who are affected by, for example, gender-based violence and disasters (man-made or natural), two significant challenges in Papua New Guinea. The cost of accessing health services presents a barrier. The government started with the important step of adopting an approach of primary health care free at point of use, and subsidizing a range of important services.
This policy was implemented throughout the country’s outpatient health care network, including aid posts, community Health Posts, Health Centers, District Hospitals, and public referral hospitals.