Association slams attack on doctor

IN the early hours of Nov 3, a senior and well-respected doctor in Enga, Dr Kanandru Pondros, deputy director of medical services at Enga Provincial Hospital and acting director curative health services, was attacked in front of the gate to his house.
Dr Pondros was rushed to Wabag Hospital and was immediately attended to by the two senior surgeons on the ground – Dr Anthony Nasai and Dr Timothy Pyaku.
He sustained serious injuries to his head, face and limbs.
Local health workers, including doctors who are members of the National Doctors Association (NDA), and NDA members nationwide, upon hearing the news, condemn the manner in which this defenceless doctor was attacked.
With respect, we acknowledge the neighbouring communities and tribes, and the police and defence personnel on the ground who swiftly and collectively apprehend the six culprits.
At present, police, soldiers and neighbouring tribes are providing security to the hospital and Wabag township.
The family of Dr Pondros has been safely relocated.
NDA is closely monitoring the situation.
Police should not let go the six culprits until the rule of law reaches its full course of justice.
If this does not happen, the newly built level 5/6 provincial or standalone tertiary hospital may not attract non-Engan health workers to this hospital.
The once friendly and caring province which warmly welcomed visitors is slowly losing this great asset.
The province must come out and say how it will manage this.
Recently, security personnel, government workers, private sector workers and other citizens have been victims of violence.
Law and order is one of the main denominators of prosperity and economic development.
Government at the LLG, district, provincial and national levels must aggressively address this.
The country has lost 40 doctors through the 2022 National General Election, and the undemocratic and dictatorial law passed to make public servant return after five years will widened the doctor-to-population ratio.
The ratio was greatly widened by the passing of 35 doctors in the last three years alone.
Avoidable loss of lives must be prevented at all cost.
The nation must not lose the grip on law and order.

Dr James Naipao
President, National Doctors
Association