The National Doctors Association (NDA) of Papua New Guinea has issued a strong public appeal to the government, calling on Prime Minister James Marape and Health Minister Elias Kapavore to urgently appoint a permanent Secretary for the Department of Health. The position has remained vacant for over a year, creating a significant leadership gap.

In a letter released from their Boroko office, the NDA noted that the Department of Health has operated without a confirmed leader for 13 to 14 months. The tenure of the current acting Secretary, Mr Ken Wai, whom the NDA describes as a “seasoned Health Administrator” who has “performed very well”, expired on November 11, 2025, leaving the department without a gazetted acting head for 27 days as of the letter’s issue.