Gov’t allocates K20 million for Lae AMS reconstruction

**Lae Area Medical Store after it was up in flames. (Image: supplied)**

Early last year [fire on 01/09/2024], Lae Area Medical Store suffered a devastating, resulting in the complete loss of infrastructure, medical stock, and operational assets—an estimated K79 million in damages which significantly disrupted the medical supply chain.

This year, the national government allocated K20 million for the reconstruction of the Lae AMS.
The reconstruction will kick off as soon as they receive the funds.

Acting Health Secretary Dr. Osborne Liko said the reconstruction of the Lae AMS is more than just rebuilding.

He said it is an opportunity to drive much-needed reforms in our medical supply system.

“With devolved functions to Provincial Health Authorities [PHA], particularly in supply planning and provincial distribution, a well-equipped AMS is vital to ensuring that medicines and medical commodities reach our people in a timely and efficient manner,” Dr. Liko said.

Dr. Liko also acknowledged the approval of old fleets for the Board of Survey [BOS], including those that were lost in the fire.

He said the replacements will be crucial in ensuring the continuity of the logistics and supply chain operations, enabling them to meet the growing demands of the medical supply chain system.

Dr. Liko is also looking forward to establishing more collaboration to ensure they remain focused to restore, reform, and strengthen the healthcare system for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.