Office of the Chief Executive Officer
The CEO’s Office provides strategic leadership and oversight to ensure effective management, coordination, and performance of healthcare services across SHPHA. It leads decision-making, governance, and organizational direction.
Dr. Joseph Birisi
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
"Dr. Joseph Birisi brings a wealth of clinical background and deep-rooted experience in regional hospital administration to his executive role at SHPHA. Having transitioned from frontline clinical medicine to peak operational management, Dr. Birisi directs daily public health and curative interventions across our 170+ facilities. His administration prioritizes workforce empowerment, fiscal safety through the national digital IFMS rollout, and local multi-lateral agreements with District Development Authorities to systematically raise rural clinical standards across the Southern Highlands Province."
Dr. Birisi leads SHPHA as one of Papua New Guinea's top five Provincial Health Authorities. Under his stewardship, SHPHA has achieved the upgrade of Ialibu District Hospital to Level 4 status, the nationwide rollout of the IFMS financial system, an expanded vehicle and ambulance fleet, and sustained improvements in rural health service delivery across the province.
The CEO's Office
The CEO's Office provides high-level leadership, coordination, and oversight to ensure effective governance, planning, and performance of SHPHA. These specialised units support strategic decision-making and strengthen health service delivery across the province.
- Management of health information systems and digital platforms
- Network infrastructure and connectivity across facilities
- Technical support for staff and systems
- Data management, reporting, and system integration
Enhances communication, improves data accuracy, and supports evidence-based decision-making.
- Review of financial and operational processes
- Risk assessment and internal control systems
- Compliance audits and monitoring
- Recommendations for efficiency improvements
Strengthens accountability, reduces risks, and ensures proper use of resources.
- Legal advice and guidance to management
- Contract drafting and review
- Handling legal disputes and compliance matters
- Ensuring adherence to laws and regulations
Protects the organisation and ensures all operations are lawful and compliant.
- Promotes gender equality and inclusive workplace practices
- Supports disability inclusion across health services
- Develops policies that promote equity and diversity
- Strengthens community participation and social inclusion
Creates equitable, inclusive, and accessible health services for all communities.
- Develops strategic plans and organisational policies
- Coordinates annual operational planning processes
- Monitors implementation of strategic priorities
- Supports performance monitoring and reporting
Aligns organisational priorities with health sector goals and drives continuous improvement.
Executive Leadership and Key Service Unit Heads
