In a important step toward digital transformation and financial accountability, the Simbu Provincial Health Authority (SiPHA) hosted a week long Integrated Financial Management System (IFMS) refresher training at the Hospital Mess in Kundiawa. The training, held from Monday 11th to Friday 15th August 2025, was facilitated by a joint team from the Department of Finance (DoF) and the National Department of Health (NdoH).

The seven-member facilitation team comprising two representatives from National department of Health and five from department of Finance arrived in Kundiawa via Mt. Hagen on Sunday, 10th August. In a gesture of high-level support and hospitality, SiPHA’s Senior Executive Management (SEM) team, led by CEO Dr. Kassi Ken, personally welcomed the team at the airport. This rare and symbolic act was later acknowledged by the facilitators as a first-of-its-kind experience, reflecting SiPHA’s leadership commitment to reform.

On Monday morning, the Director for Corporate Services officially opened the training with a warm welcome, setting the tone for an intensive and collaborative learning experience.

The training brought together participants from key operational units including Accounts, Budget, Revenue, ICT, and Human Resources. Members of the SEM team, including acting Director Corporate Services, acting Director Public Health, Acting Director Curative Health Services and the Chief Executive Officer who actively participated, highlighting the strategic importance of IFMS across all levels of the organization.

Throughout the week, participants engaged in both theoretical sessions and practical hands-on the system, gaining deeper insights into the IFMS iCloud platform. The facilitators emphasized real-world application, encouraging staff to explore the system confidently and not shy away from making mistakes as part of the learning process.

During the closing ceremony on Friday midday, Joseph Tirang, representing the facilitation team, commended the participants for their enthusiasm and engagement. He urged them to continue exploring the system and to embrace the learning journey. Tirang also expressed deep appreciation to the SEM team, noting the exceptional leadership shown by Dr. Ken and his deputies in personally welcoming the team, a gesture that spoke volumes about SiPHA’s commitment to reform.

Another facilitator Nick Dulume challenged staff to adapt to the evolving financial landscape by fully utilizing the IFMS, applauding SiPHA for its bold leap from manual accounting systems directly to the cloud-based IFMS platform.

Speaking on behalf of the SEM team, CEO Dr. Kassi Ken thanked the facilitators for their dedication and expertise. He highlighted that IFMS is a cornerstone of the current 2021–2030 National Health Plan, and lamented its underutilization during the previous 2011–2020 plan. Dr. Ken emphasized that as a corporate government entity, SiPHA must uphold transparency and accountability, particularly in acquittals and financial reporting.

“To justify the demand for resources, we must produce strong, credible reports on how government funds have been used,” Dr. Ken stated. “IFMS is not just a tool ,it’s a strategic enabler for health system strengthening.”

The program concluded with heartfelt farewells and the exchange of gifts, symbolizing mutual appreciation and the beginning of a renewed partnership in financial excellence. The training not only equipped SiPHA staff with critical skills but also reinforced the organization’s commitment to good governance, digital transformation, and health sector accountability.