Angau Memorial Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department will scale down services during the festive season due to severe staff and medical supply shortages.

Doctor in Charge, Dr. Alex Peawi, said only strict emergency cases will be attended to, while non-emergency cases will not be seen.

“We are critically down with manpower and medical supplies, so we will attend to strict emergency cases only,” Dr. Peawi said.

He urged the public to take responsibility for their safety during Christmas and New Year, a period usually marked by increased accidents and alcohol-related injuries.

“People must learn to look after themselves during this festive season,” he said.

Angau Memorial Hospital is the main referral hospital for Morobe and nearby provinces, and health workers are urging the public to celebrate responsibly and seek emergency care only when necessary.