Patients told not to pay more

PATIENTS seeking health care at the Mt Hagen Provincial Hospital have been told not to pay additional fees being charged by the hospital staff.
Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority chief executive officer Dr James Kintwa warned hospital staff to stop this practice or face disciplinary actions.
“People seeking treatment and other services at the hospital will only pay for these services at the hospital’s revenue section, not anywhere else,” Kintwa said.
“Fees collected by any other sections or persons are illegal and the hospital management must be informed immediately.”
He said complaints had been raised against health extension officers and some doctors who were allegedly collecting fees. from patients for medical reports and treatment. Some technical staff had also been implicated.
It was also alleged that certain nursing officers were seen to be “organising these transactions to take place”.
Kintwa said this practise was in breach of the Public Services Management Act and General Order for Health Care.
“Not all staff are doing this, only a certain group of people.
“The public is hereby advised to refrain from paying extra fees to any staff other than at the revenue section. Report any staff who is asking you to pay extra to the director corporate services,” Kintwa said.