Health Sector Gets 15% Budget Boost — K3.2 Billion Allocated

Papua New Guinea's health sector has received its largest ever single-year budget allocation, with the 2026 National Budget committing K3.2 billion — a 15% increase over the 2025 allocation of K2.8 billion. Treasurer Ian Ling-Stuckey announced the allocation as part of a K30.9 billion national budget. The health budget increase reflects Prime Minister James Marape's stated commitment to making meaningful improvements in healthcare access and quality for ordinary Papua New Guineans. Medical supplies funding has grown from K240 million to K267 million. Among the specific priorities funded are the expansion of maternal and child health services in rural provinces, the procurement of new diagnostic equipment for regional hospitals, and investment in the cold chain infrastructure needed to maintain the immunization programme. The budget also includes provision for the ongoing upgrade and rehabilitation of health facilities, with several district hospitals in remote provinces receiving funding for structural repairs, generator replacements, and water supply upgrades. Health advocates welcomed the increase but called for equally strong attention to implementation and accountability. The National Health Authority committed to publishing quarterly expenditure reports.