Failure in the attempt of banning smoking in public places and limiting the sales of tobacco has led to higher medical expenses in Papua New Guinea (PNG). The World Health Organization has unveiled that use of tobacco kills nearly 6 million people worldwide and second hand smoke exposure causes six lakh deaths globally every year.

A representative of the World Health Organization, Dr. William Adu-Krow said that the PNG Government needs to pass laws to limit the premature deaths from smoking related illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and emphysema.

Meanwhile, the Health Department in Papua New Guinea has taken a step back in its administering of funds from a major international donor as the Department was alleged of involved in corruption. However, it is believed that the move won't affect the prevalent health programs.

Recently, Papua New Guinea's popular Post Courier newspaper has accused the Health Department of being corrupt. The popular newspapers have reported that Papua New Guinea has received a significant amount of money from the Global Fund.

The ongoing criticism over the working of Health Department has put it into scrutiny. It has further been accused of wrongly investing fund somewhere else than health sector.