Prime Minister Jotham Napat is meeting the medical staff and all directorates of the Ministry of Health on Friday in an effort to better understand the state of Vanuatu’s health system. The meeting is a follow-up from last week where he met medical staff of the Vila Central Hospital before unveiling the country’s first ever CT Scanning machine at the VCH.

    He was clearly taken aback by the enormity of the challenges and the current state of affairs within health, particularly in relation to the country’s national human resource development where it was revealed well over 60% of the entire health workforce was yet to be filled.

    “Why are we still getting these figures? Could we have phased the training of our medical personnel over the years so that we are not left languishing so far behind? I say this because the country’s population continues to grow. If we cannot keep up, the challenge will be even greater in future.

    “I want to know what is the problem? Is it budget, lack of planning? What is it,” he enquired of the VCH team. JICA officials as well as the head of the Vanuatu Public Service Commission Martin Mahe was also there.

    Prime Minister Napat intervened midway through the presentation because he felt it would not do justice to the issues being raised as his Government prioritises health under its 100-days plan.

    And in light of the commissioning of the new CT-Scan, where the entire country has just one qualified radiographer, there is a dire need to dramatically improve Vanuatu’s health system so that it continues to serve the people effectively.

    TUESDAY 18th February, 2025 – In an effort to improve accessibility to Government services, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Jotham Napat has directed all civil servants to keep all public offices opened throughout lunch hours so that the public can still access government services as needed.

    What that means is for civil servants to better organize themselves so that the offices are still being manned, while others find lunch.

    The instructions directly address a concern from many who have had an experience trying to access government offices and services only to be told they could not because, either people were unavailable, or were out running some private errands, which go beyond lunch breaks.

    He urged civil servants to put themselves in the shoes of ordinary citizens, some of whom must travel long distances just to make a simple enquiry, place a request or access a government service.

    “Remember, you will one day leave your office and become just an ordinary citizen. You want to cultivate the right culture now in the public service so that when you decide to move on or retire, you know you can expect better.

    “I have experienced it myself, even in my capacity as a member of parliament,” he told everyone today after morning devotion at the Prime Minister’s Office.

    “You are called civil servants. Remember that. We are here to serve our people,” Prime Minister Napat stressed.

    In addition, the Prime Minister is also putting a total ban on Government retreats. All these are part of his Government’s efforts to breakdown what may have become the norm for departments to go on lavish retreats that could be organized in-house to save cost, amidst rising costs and economic hardships.

    He has already announced a blanket ban on all overseas travels unless justified. He says there are other measures that the Government could and would consider to ensure Vanuatu begins to live within its means, in light of the current challenges facing the nation.

    Member of Parliament for Tanna Constituency Hon. Jotham Napat newly elected as the Republic of Vanuatu's Prime Minister for the 14th Legislature.
    His election represents a significant moment in Vanuatu's political landscape, reflecting the desire for effective leadership and progress in the country.
     
    After the election of the Speaker and deputy speakers along with the election of New Prime Minister of the 14 Legislature.
    The newly elected Prime Minister, Hon. Jotham Napat has announced his cabinet, appointing 12 other Ministers to 12 Ministries in the government. This move marks a significant step in the formation of the new administration, as the Prime Minister seeks to assemble a team to help him implement his vision for the country.
    The appointed Ministers are expected to oversee various portfolios, including finance, education, health, infrastructure, foreign affairs, Internal affairs, trades, Justice, Agriculture, fisheries & maritime affairs, climate change and Lands.

    Caretaker Prime Minister Charlot Salwai Tabimasmas hands over a total of 32,833,334VT to Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) as part of the other half of the Government grant which was handed over last year.
     
    This other half was based on a report given by VCC detailing the Council's financial spending and operational activities. The Caretaker Prime Minister expressed confidence in the VCC's commitment to transparency and effective use of funds, highlighting the importance of supporting community initiatives and the church's role in promoting social welfare in Vanuatu.
     
    This half of the grant is expected to enhance the council's programs and outreach efforts, contributing to the overall spiritual development of the nation.

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