The Health Minister for Papua New Guinea Sasa Zibe has warned that more doctors are needed to cover a shortage in the districts and rural areas where 87 percent of the population lives.
The country struggless with a high infant mortality rate and the spread of diseases such as HIV/AIDS amid a lack of qualified doctors and medication.
Our correspondent Oseah Philemon says not enough people are being trained as doctors and many of those who are qualified choose to go overseas.
"Doctors are qualified people. They are looking for better pay and conditions. The government of Papua New Guinea can not pay them the kind of salaries and conditions that they require, that they want. And so they are looking for greener pastures I believe."
Oseah Philemon says the PNG government needs to take leadership and find solutions of its own.
