Kase resumes, probe continues

HEALTH Department secretary Pascoe Kase, pictured, has resumed duties after vacating his office last week to allow investigations following issues raised by the National Doctors Association (NDA).
Kase was asked to step aside to allow a committee to investigate issues, including the awarding of two medicine contracts to Boneo Pacific Pharmaceutical Ltd, raised by NDA.
Health and HIV/AIDS Minister Elias Kapavore told The National that the time given to Kase to step aside was up.
“Upon my letter to Prime Minister James Marape, Kase has taken office (from Monday),” he said.
“An investigation team put together by Marape and I will look into the petition and the demands from NDA.”
Kapavore said the exercise was now being undertaken by the Prime Minister’s Office to avoid interference.
“Once the full assessment is done and report given to the PM’s Office, the National Executive Council on assessing the information will recommend to the head of state whether to suspend him,” he said.
Deputy secretary Dr Paison Dakulala was acting secretary during Kase’s absence.
Kapavore said when full investigations were underway, an acting appointment would be made for a certain period.
“Kase is a departmental head appointed through the process and these decisions can have legal implications.
“Whatever decisions we make, must comply with the Pubic Services Management Act and regulations.
“NDOH has many development partners supporting us and we need to give confidence to them.
“I’m not here to cover for anybody, we are open to public scrutiny and demands and wishes of the people.
“We have to give Kase that due justice and allow him to respond.
He said with Kase back in the office the department should continue to function but they need to fast-track the investigation to bring confidence back to their partners.