Decision splits community

 THE row over the recent removal of the Angau Memorial Hospital chief executive officer has split the community in Lae.

Members of the Voice of Morobe group oppose the move and the appointment of acting chief executive officer Dr Jim Abrahams. They want the reinstatement of Dr Polapoi Chalau.

But the Lae Urban Ward Two, Four and Six leaders are supporting the appointment of Abrahams.

Ward chairman Thompson Benguma and Councillor Carol Yawing said the Government had the authority to change any department heads.

“Angau is protected under the National Health Department Act and the Minister for Health Michael Malabag, Secretary Pascoe Kase and Prime Minister Peter O’Neill have the authority to hire and fire whenever necessary.”