Doctors give govt ultimatum: Show us the money or else

By GLENDA AWIKIAK
THE National Doctors’ Association has given the Government until Friday to sort their home rents, health insurance and award payments, says chairman Dr Sam Yockopua, pictured.
He said the association was giving the Health Department and the Government until 12pm on Friday to respond or face the possibility of industrial action.
Yockopua said the Government owed doctors:

• K7 million for outstanding rental payments;
• K3 million for the doctors’ health insurance premium; and
• K5 million for medical academic awards for doctors lecturing at the University of PNG School of Medicine and Health Science.

He said the home rental bills were for four months.
Yockopua said the department had not made any payments and doctors had already been served eviction notices by landlords.
He said the doctors have not received their health insurance money this year.
This is money paid to doctors annually to meet their health needs.
“We doctors need to be covered,” Yockopua said.
“Many of our doctors are very sick these days and need money to seek medical attention overseas.
“Four of our doctors have died this year.
“We can’t go on like this but need this money to look after our own health too.”
Yockopua said 29 doctors had been lecturing at UPNG’s Taurama campus without being paid.
“They are our NDA members and need to be recognised for the work they do to impart knowledge and skills to our health workforce,” he said.
“These doctors only received part payment for the years 2014-2016 and the balance is still outstanding.
“We need that outstanding balance as well the 2016-2017 payment.”
Yockopua said the Office of the Chief Secretary, and the Finance and Health departments discussed the issue on Friday.
He said Chief Secretary Isaac Lupari had directed that money be found to address the issues.
Several attempts by The National to get comments from Health Secretary Pascoe Kase and Finance Secretary Dr Ken Ngangan were unsuccessful.