The National Department of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the PNGAus Partnership, is hosting a pivotal four-day workshop on Post-Market Surveillance (PMS) of medicines at Port Moresby from 18 to 21 November 2025.
The workshop brings together representatives from 12 provincial health authorities (PHA’s) including pharmaceutical inspectors, regulatory authorities, and key partners to strengthen Papua New Guinea’s capacity to ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines nationwide.
Guided by World Health Assembly resolutions and the WHO Regional Framework for post-market surveillance, the workshop aims to finalize the Risk-Based PMS Guideline and its Sampling and Testing Implementation Plan. Participants will engage in practical sessions on developing sampling plans, conducting visual inspections, and implementing risk-based approaches to medicine quality surveillance.
Recent incidents in the Western Pacific, including the detection of substandard and falsified medical products, underscore the importance of robust regulatory systems. The workshop addresses ongoing challenges such as limited laboratory capacity and reliance on imported medicines, while highlighting the value of regional partnerships and capacity building.
Key sessions include:
- Overview of medicine quality surveillance and risk-based sampling
- Practical exercises in sampling and visual inspection
- Group feedback on guidelines and implementation plans
- Mock sampling and enforcement exercises
- Discussions on sustainability through partnerships with WHO, PATH, DFAT, and others
WHO commends the commitment of the National Department of Health and all partners for their leadership and collaboration. “Let us work together to ensure that every person in Papua New Guinea has access to safe, effective, and quality-assured medicines,” said the Acting WHO Representative to PNG in the opening remarks.
The outcomes of this workshop will lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient medicine quality assurance system, safeguarding public health for all Papua New Guineans.