Popondetta hospital gripped by new crisis

By HELEN TARAWA and REBECCA KUKU
HEALTH Secretary Pascoe Kase, pictured, has called on all health workers in Popondetta to focus on their roles and give the new provincial health authority officials the chance to carry out their duties.
Kase was responding to the walkout by staff of the Popondetta General Hospital.
“If people can remember, there were issues at the hospital with the incumbent chief executive officer, and staff took sides and caused problems which hindered services to the public,” he said.
“Many staff threatened to leave.”
Kase said now that a new chief executive officer of the authority had been appointed, staff were again taking sides, causing more problems.
“Northern is in transition with the new provincial health authority board, and its management team is taking on new responsibilities,” he said.
Health services at the provincial hospital came to a halt as nurses, doctors and health extension officers started leaving because of the lack of funds and medicine.
Provincial health authority chairman Eric Meska told The National that the management needed to explain the alleged misuse and abuse of funds resulting in services not flowing as expected.
“The board issued management instructions or orders almost four weeks ago on what they should do to bring better operations and management knowing very well whatever the issue was on the ground,” he said.
“The board gives leadership and governance advices.
“They are experienced people in the management of the hospital and health issues.
“There are ways to resolve issues.”
Northern Governor Gary Juffa said hospital staff should focus on delivering services rather than getting involved in the politics.
“The people are the most important here,” Juffa said.
“Forget about your allegiances to whoever is there or not there.
“Focus on delivering the services.”