Health Workers Protest Over Safety in Kimbe

Over 50 health workers and non-clinical staff from the West New Britain Provincial Health Authority presented a petition to the West New Britain Provincial Government on Thursday (April 14) morning.

Their concern is the continuous threat and harassment towards doctors, nurses and PHA staff as law and order issues in Kimbe spiral out of control.

Speaking on behalf of the PHA, Dr Yvonne Sapuri expressed to authorities that a handful of doctors, most of whom are specialists have left the Province in fear of their lives including their families. This follow countless attacks by thugs at their residents, at the hospital and even while on route to duty calls during the night.

Dr Sapuri said if this continues, doctors will not come and work in West New Britain. She said it’s not just a concern from health workers but as members of the public and civil society.

“We are representing everyone to raise this concern and stop the growing criminal attacks in Kimbe.”

“It’s affecting our health system and we have raised our concerns point by point in the petition for our leaders and provincial authorities to consider,” said Dr Sapuri.

In an earlier post on social media, Dr Sapuri said in the space of seven weeks’ specialist doctors left Kimbe because they believe the Provincial Government has failed to provide safety for all in the Province.

She said this has been a growing concern causing much disappointment and frustration over the never ending law and order problems.

The latest attack occurred at the Kimbe Urban Clinic at Gigo where thugs climbed over the fence and robbed some patients; mostly mothers who came early to seek healthcare services.

As a result, the clinic was closed and has been for the past five days.

“Enough is enough, we cannot continue to serve the people while safety of our staff are not guaranteed,” said Dr Sapuri.

“There is so much criminal activities going on in Kimbe, we want our leaders to make a stand and come-up with solutions,” added Sapuri.

She said members of the WNBPHA want to work with the Provincial Government and stop this once and for all because the delivery of health services will be highly affected.

They protested peacefully to the Provincial Government building and presented their petition to Governor Sasindran Muthuvel, the Acting Provincial Administrator Leo Mapmani and other members of the PEC.