Association explains practice arrangement

NATIONAL Doctors Association president Dr James Naipao says a memorandum of agreement recently signed with the State has allowed doctors working for the Government to engage in Limited Rights to Private Practice (LRTPP).
Dr Naipao said this in response to complaints about doctors that had reached the political level and the hierarchy of the Department of Health.
“This is about doctors at Port Moresby General Hospital doctors not working at the hospital and engaging in private practice,” he said.
He explained that the LRTPP was applicable after 4.06pm and when not on calls.
“And, 12 to 1pm is your free time but health workers usually ignore that when working in the PNG health system,” he said.
“This is for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) with postgraduate master of medicine and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) with postgraduate masters degree in the dental science field, and are called senior medical officers, and who have served the State continuously for five years and more, are eligible for LRTPP.
He said it was not for MBBS post graduate training registrars.
“Also, it is not for BDS postgraduate dental training registrars.
“It is not for those candidates that just passed their post-graduate masters in medicine.
“It is not for candidates that just passed their post-graduate masters dental degree.
“It is not for SMOs and senior dental officers with masters who have not served the State for five years or more.”
He added that the LRTPP was restricted to resident medical and dental doctors.
“Medical doctors with post-graduate diplomas are not eligible,” he said.
“Dental doctors with post BDS diplomas are not eligible.
“BDS with postgraduate diplomas are not eligible.
“MBBS with postgraduate diplomas are not allowed.
“MBBS with either diplomas or passed their part one master of medicine examinations are not allowed.”