Harassment, theft of properties force health centre to close

A HEALTH centre has been closed because of the harassment of staff members and the theft of their properties.
Community health worker George Malingo said the Gelegele Health Centre in the Rabaul district of East New Britain would be closed for an indefinite period.
The home of a staff member was broken into last month.
It was not the first time employees had been subjected to criminal activities.
Two men armed with guns broke into Malingo’s home and told him to give them his laptop, mobile phones and other valuable items. But they only took his bank cards and K500 in cash.
Malingo said thefts and the harassment of staff were ongoing.
He said some men in neighbouring communities did not respect the workers and the health facility.
“It is an ongoing issue and we are calling on the authorities in the Kombui and Balanataman LLGs and the Rabaul district administration to look into this matter and quickly find solutions to this problem,” he said.
Malingo said they had reported the matter to the police.
“We are calling on the people in Gelegele to help us find these culprits,” Malingo said.