A Papua New Guinea health administrator in Lae is echoing the call for the government to improve health care for rural communities.
Dr Likei Teo estimates up to 35 percent of the population living in remote areas are not getting access to proper medical care.
Transparency International PNG has criticized health care standards, given that some people are having to walk four days to get medical attention, instead of the around four hours it took 20 years ago.
The corruption watchdog also claims the substandard health care is due to corruption and bad management and says the government needs to act.
Dr Teo says he agrees, and says despite aid assistance from donor countries, it seems to be more difficult now for rural communities.
"It all comes down to making a right commitment for resource allocation for health and at the same time improving management capacity for the workforce. I think these are the two key areas."
The health administrator for Lae, Dr Likei Teo
