Church health workers will be paid by govt: Sir Puka

CHURCH health workers will be put on Government payroll, Health Minister Sir Puka Temu says.
He said this in Mt Hagen on Wednesday when launching Western Highlands health authority’s (WHPHA) 2019-2023 five-year strategic plan.
Sir Puka said church health workers would be paid the same rates as their Government colleagues.
He did not give a specific date for implementation but said 60 per cent of health services were run by churches.
Sir Puk said Government was paying operational costs of church health services and the next thing was to add staff to its payroll.
“This is because we believe in the partnership programme between the Government and church,” he said.
“Church is the major partner that is helping Government in delivering services like health and education.
“Investing in health means that you are building the economy.
“The Government is prioritising quality health service delivery.
“We are recognising what our development partners are doing for our people.
“We will continue to maintain that combined relationship and team work.
“Church health service is serving 50-60 per cent of the total population in the country.”