The holdup of Rabaul Provincial Hospital Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr. Ako Yap in his home as well as the assault and attacks cases on medical specialists in the East New Britain (ENB), has shocked the medical community in the Province.
This saw the National Doctor’s Association ENB Branch presented a petition to the Provincial Authorities to respond to lawlessness and attacks on doctors.
The three main demands listed in the petition were:
1. Suspects of crimes committed against doctors to be arrested and charged by November 20.
2. Guaranty of staff safety.
3. Investigation results of crime committed against two senior medical doctors to be presented by police.
Acting and outgoing ENB Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Januarius Vosivai met with the Union to respond to their petition.
The responses given, pointed out that petition points 2 and 3 could not be met, as they require the collaborative efforts for various sectors within the Province.
The Provincial Authorities have however, agreed to Point 1 of the Union’s petition, to carry out an independent investigation into the known suspects responsible for the holdup of Dr. Yap, to ensure a fair and unbiased process into the arrest and charging of the suspects.
The Union has further extended the deadline to November 28th, with the next course of action to be taken on November 29th.
The Union has urged the local law enforcement officers to prioritize this case and expedite the investigation to ensure that the medical service delivery in the province is not affected.
ENB residents are anxious about how this situation will unfold, but they are hopeful for a swift resolution to this matter.