Hospital’s CEO issue putting lives at risk

By HELEN TARAWA
The turmoil in Popondetta Hospital over management issues continues between two factions, putting the lives of patients at risk while the board looks for solutions.
The board suspended chief executive Dr Gunzee Gawin following his arrest and charges on three counts of conspiracy to defraud, misappropriation of property and abuse of office. It appointed another officer (named) on an acting position.
Gawin, however, continues to remain in office, resulting in disputes between the two factions.
Chairman Cecil Siembo told The National that the board, under the Public Service General Orders, had suspended Gawin to await his court proceedings.
“We have tried to consult the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) but have not been able to get any response,” he said,
“The board is legitimate and we have the power to make decisions in consultation with DPM and the Department of Health.”
Meanwhile, National Doctors’ Association (NDA) president Dr James Naipao has questioned the approaches taken by the board when it suspended Gawin.
Naipao, in a letter to Health Secretary Pascoe Kase yesterday, said Gawin had the right to be given a fair hearing of the allegations against him. “Any board decision must be guided by the 1994 Public Hospital Act – specifically the application of section 24 of the act in this case,” he said