Protest is improper, Kaptigau says

 PAPUA New Guinea Nurses Association president Sister Eimi Kaptigau has described the protest by nursing staff at the Goroka Hospital as improper.

She said the withdrawal of a large number of hospital staff was unethical and unprofessional.

She said the association had not been informed by the nurses about what they intended to do.

“We were not told about the situation until we saw in the media that 400-plus staff had resigned,” she said.

“There were no grounds for nurses to withdraw. 

“The union has not received any information and we won’t support their actions because it’s denying people’s rights to be served at the health facility.”

She said Eastern Highlands was one of the  three provinces piloting the provincial health authority system and this attitude would paint a bad picture for them.

“Nurses should know better that the union is here to fight for their rights, and we have been fighting for their rights,” she said.

“Things are falling into place. Funding has been increased to address their issues. 

“I’m very disappointed with their action.” 

Kaptigau would visit Goroka Hospital this week to discuss the matter the Highlands’s regional branch executives.