Vegogo defends his appointment

National, Normal
Source:

WALLACE KIALA

NEWLY appointed Port Moresby General Hospital (POMGH) CEO Sam Vegogo defended his appointment on Tuesday night, saying that those who opposed it were from a minority within the medical fraternity and factions of the PNG Doctors’ Association.
Mr Vegogo did not elaborate but pointed out that the decision to appoint him was made by the National Executive Council, acting on advice and screening process by the Public Service Commission.
“I cannot say anything about the appointment process, which is a Cabinet matter, and they had the prerogative to make such appointment,” he said.
Asked if he was capable of running a level one medical facility in PNG, Mr Vegogo said that “only time would tell” when he takes up the position next month.
He said he would show that he could really make a difference but it would require everyone’s support, including who were opposing the appointment.
“I am a manager and I am looking forward to taking up the administrative challenge as CEO of POMGH.
“I will do my best to work with those who can give me the support to run the hospital, that’s all I can say for now,” he told The National. 
Mr Vegogo’s comments come as the PNG Medical Society announced that it had written to Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare to nullify the appointment.
“Traditionally, both in PNG and overseas, heads of hospitals have always been medical doctors or health professionals with appropriate health administrative qualification and experience as baseline requirement,” the society said in its letter, copies of which were released to the media.
Backing a call on Monday by the National Doctors Association to revoke Mr Vegogo’s appointment, the society said POMGH was best managed by health specialists.
 “We believe that Mr Vegogo could be an excellent finance administrator at POMGH and not a CEO and the society is concerned that such an appointment could have serious consequences for the hospital,” it said in the letter.