Simbu PHA charts safer future with draft health care waste management and SOP

The Simbu Provincial Health Authority [SiPHA] has taken a major step towards strengthening environmental health systems with the completion of its Draft Health Care Waste Management and Standard Operating Procedure [SOP] 2026–2030.

The draft SOP, set to be presented at the upcoming National Summit, will feed into a combined National Policy Document for health care waste management across Papua New Guinea.

The initiative aligns SiPHA’s local strategy with key national priorities including the National Health Plan 2021–2030 and SiPHA Corporate Plan 2025–2027.

The goal is for safer, more sustainable health care practices that protect patients, staff, and communities.

SiPHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ken Kassi said the document reflects a forward-looking commitment to public safety.

“Health care waste, if not managed properly, puts both health workers and our communities at risk. This SOP gives our facilities clear standards and procedures. Our aim is simple , zero avoidable harm from medical waste. SiPHA is proud to contribute to the national conversation.” Dr Ken said.

Senior Environmental Health Officer Dominic James who led the technical development of the draft, stressed practical impact on the ground.

“This is not just a paper exercise. The SOP provides step-by-step guidance on segregation, collection, storage, treatment, and disposal. From Kundiawa General Hospital to rural aid posts, every health worker must know what to do and how to do it safely. We owe that to our people.” she said.

She said the draft framework focuses on safeguarding communities, protecting frontline health workers, and promoting responsible environmental stewardship, a critical need as PNG’s health sector expands.

With Simbu now setting the standard, SiPHA hopes the 2026–2030 SOP becomes a model for other provinces ahead of national rollout.