Suspended hospital boss cleared to take back post

By HELEN TARAWA
THE suspended chief executive of Popondetta General Hospital, Dr Gunzee Gawin, is set to take back his position after being cleared of misappropriation charges.
Popondetta District Court magistrate Leonard Mesmin, on Tuesday, ordered that charges of misappropriation, conspiracy to defraud the State and abuse of office against Gawin struck out.
Gawin said he was innocent of the charges laid against him by the National Fraud and
Anti-Corruption unit officers.
“My suspension by the former hospital board of management was conditional pending the outcome of the district court proceedings,” he said.
“As such, I stand to resume my substantive position as the CEO.
“I am only here to see that better healthcare services are delivered and that our clients’ needs are met.
“Being the CEO is not an easy job, but I have a team to make my job easier.
“I am more than determined to lead this team, and together, restore and improve patient care services at Popondetta General Hospital and healthcare for Northern.”
Mesmin ordered that Gawin be cleared of all the three charges.
The court heard that police had failed to comply with the court’s directional order of Nov 14, 2018, to have the case file ready by Feb 13 this year. Gawin was charged on Nov 14, 2018.
Mesmin also ordered the bail and guarantors’ sureties totalling K3000 be refunded to Gawin.
Health Secretary Pascoe Kase told The National that Dr Gawin was now a free man as decided by a competent court.
Kase said the position of CEO Popondetta General Hospital had ceased since the establishment of the provincial health authority.
He said an acting CEO had since been appointed to lead the PHA in Northern.
“The permanent CEO position will be advertised soon and appointment will be done,” Kase said.
“Accordingly, Dr Gunzee can apply if he wish. He is free to apply for any jobs through set processes.”