Angau staff to present petition

ANGAU Memorial Hospital workers will present a petition to the Morobe provincial government today concerning a number of issues affecting their work environment and safety.

The National

PNG Nursing Association executive and Angau Hospital union president Steven Nawik said the planned protest march to the provincial headquarters was abandoned after a surveillance report was issued from police.

"Deputy governor Morokoi Gaiwata, administrator Kemasong Tomala, police and concerned authorities will receive the petition at the hospitals’ Gware memorial wing from aggrieved doctors, nurses and the management," he said.

The change of venue was negotiated after metropolitan commander Supt Iven Lakatani met with hospital staff yesterday afternoon.

"To show the agony and torment by perpetrators to health workers, to ensure government sets in place appropriate mechanisms to counter such evil deeds in society, the staff will all remain with placards and banners in writing," Nawik said.

"This is the second stage to voice our grievances and from there, we will decide the next stages."

Police also reported that another suspect was apprehended yesterday after one of them surrendered on Monday.

Another three are still at large.

Nawik said three main entrances to the hospital would remain locked until all five suspects were apprehended or surrendered.

He said clinical services at Angau were offered only to inpatients, emergencies, pregnant women for delivery, mortuary and funeral arrangements while outpatients were restricted and advised to seek treatment at private clinics.

understands the petition contains critical issues, including public disrespect for health workers at work and home, poor health facilities, lack of staff accommodation and security to and from work.