As we approach the end of 2025 and embrace the spirit of Christmas – a time of reflection, hope and renewal, I extend my warmest seasonal greetings to you and your families. I would also like to extent my utmost appreciation to the Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary of the Society for their tireless contributions
throughout the year.

The Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea would like to take this time to extend our gratitude to the outgoing Acting Secretary for National Department of Health, Mr. Ken Wai, for his commitment, professionalism, time and effort towards the Pharmaceutical Society and the pharmaceutical services in both public and private. At the same time, We would like to congratulate Mr. Pascoe Kase for his appointment as the new Secretary for National Department of Health. We are confident that with a fresh perspective and his experience and a strong foundation already serving in that same role earlier, we believe that a new chapter for pharmaceutical services is about to start. And we, the Society and its members, look forward to working together with the new Secretary to
move forward a united purpose and commitment.
This period offers us a moment to pause, celebrate our resilience and also to thoughtfully consider our path forward as a profession united in service to our nation’s health.

The past year has underscored both our strengths and the significant challenges we face. A critical issue that has become increasingly visible in 2025 is the persistent stocking out of essential medicines in our hospitals and clinics nationwide. This is more than an operational hurdle; it is a national concern that strikes at the very heart of our mission to ensure therapeutic outcomes and quality care for all Papua New Guineans.

To address this, there must be increased cooperation and communication from the National Department of Health to the Provincial Health Authorities and to our referral hospitals and all other health facilities. Our pharmacy managers must come together to find a solution and a way forward. We can learn from each other in
public and private health facilities. We have the expertise and our job descriptions are centred on the handling of pharmaceuticals, stock inventory, supply management systems and quality medicine. It is our core role.

My hope is that by 2026, we can demonstrate tangible progress so that our partners and the public can see that we, as pharmacists, are the solution. The alternative is deeply concerning. If we do not collectively rise to this challenge, we may find other health professionals, such as doctors, stepping in to fill these essential roles in procurement, quality assurance and even pharmacy leadership. This would not only be a loss for our profession but potentially for the coordinated management of medicines in our health system.

As we enjoy this festive season, let us also use this time for profound professional reflection. We have to ask ourselves:

• What is our purpose as pharmacists?
• What can we do?
• How can we do it?
• Are we doing enough?

These questions are not meant to diminish our efforts but to ignite our collective resolve. I hope each of you feels challenged by this situation. Let us return in the new year with renewed enthusiasm, ready to collaborate, innovate and lead. Together, we must and can find a better way forward to solve this chronic problem of drug stockouts.
May the hope and joy of this season inspire you. Let it strengthen our commitment to our patients, our profession, and our country.
I wish you a peaceful, joyful, and restorative Christmas and a New Year 2026 filled with promise and successful
collaboration.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

Authorised by,
Mr Omega Fitzgerald Manua
President
Pharmaceutical Society of Papua New Guinea (PSPNG