Supervision of rural health centres in Papua New Guinea: consolidation of the delivery of health services.

Aid posts and health centres remain the health facilities in most direct contact with the community in Papua New Guinea. The planners of health services have well accepted the difficulties of adverse geography and sectoral differences, and adapted a method of delivery which is efficient and appropriate for all levels of health personnel. Those peripheral staff, however, have been left to their own devices. It should be considered that the continued success and achievement of the milestones of health care in Papua New Guinea require close surveillance and support at the basic level. Intensive supervision is essential to the consolidation and progress of existing health services.