The matter of medical professionals working at the cancer unit facility at Lae Angau Memorial Hospital being on casual salary has not been resolved at this time, prompting the Opposition to call on the prime minister and questioning why nothing has been done about it yet. Opposition Leader Douglas Tomuriesa was in Lae city recently where he visited the hospital’s cancer unit when he was confronted with this issue that is still lingering despite many calls to the Health Department and the National Government. Speaking at a press conference this afternoon in Port Moresby city, Tomuriesa said the cancer unit is in the best conditioning with patients treated with the latest equipment; however, that is not being matched with the medical experts serving the patients at the unit with regards to their payroll. “During my visit to the Lae Angau Memorial Hospital, I was very, very concerned with the cancer unit,” said the Opposition Leader. “The unit has new facilities, new updated, upgraded facilities. When patients go in, they treat them with the latest equipment in the country and that is comparable to some other countries who have same equipment that we have.” “However, some of the technicians, doctors who have been working in there for the last five to ten years are still being paid on casual wages.” This he said means that these medical professionals have been working not as permanent staff, but temporary or part time basis at the cancer unit over the years providing the best possible medical care to cancer patients. “A letter has been sent to the Minister responsible for Health and the prime minister knows about this issue affecting the cancer unit in Lae, but nothing has been done. They’ve been promised that something will be done, but nothing has been done.” “My call to the prime minister and the health minister, how long can the staff of the cancer unit at Angau will continue to remind you?” He also said he has in his possession a copy of the letter that the medical staff had wrote to the health minister and the prime minister. “We spend a lot of money on Connect- PNG, we spend money on other things, but the people who care for the lives of our people, who work tirelessly saving lives, let’s put them on the payroll. That is my call.” Mr. Tomuriesa then thanked those medical staff who continue to be on casual arrangement for their immense work, because despite this matter, they continue to perform their duties in serving the people.