Ipatas wants hospital chief removed

ENGA Governor Peter Ipatas wants the Health Department to sack the acting chief executive officer of Wabag General Hospital Salan Ere, who is his own relative.
Mr Ipatas claimed Mr Ere’s incompetence in managing the institution had caused an exodus of doctors and facilities and equipment to deteriorate over the years.
In a press conference yesterday, Mr Ipatas blasted Health authorities for not doing anything or appointing a qualified medical doctor and experienced administrator to run the biggest hospital in the province.
The hospital caters to patients from all six districts and takes referrals from outlying aid posts and health centres and is the main centre for more than 300,000 Engans.
Mr Ipatas said he had harboured his sentiments for far too long and had to speak out because “the hospital is not like it used to be a few years ago”.
“The hospital boasted more than 10 doctors and now it has only three, despite the provincial government pumping in K250,000 annually as an incentive for doctors.
“It is neither the fault of location nor the people, but it is the incompetent management of the current acting CEO that has caused doctors to move out because he is not a medical doctor who can understand doctor’s professional needs,” Mr Ipatas said.
“If nothing is done immediately, the lives and health of the people will be affected. I don’t blame the CEO, but I blame the system for not ensuring that the hospital is being managed and administered professionally.
“Those guys are still keeping him at the expense of the small people,” he said.
Mr Ipatas said apart from doctors moving out, facilities and equipment were run down and in dire need of repair and maintenance.
“Instead of spending on important medical needs that can help ease the service of doctors, spending is focused on new vehicles and non-priority areas,” the governor said.
Mr Ipatas urged that a new hospital boss be recruited and appointed without political interference immediately to steer the hospital back on track and to its former efficiency.
The provincial government had spent K3 million to upgrade the hospital and has hinted that any further support may cease if the current acting CEO remains in control.