Clinical operations at the Goroka Provincial Hospital in Eastern Highlands Province had to be scaled down with only a handful of clinical staff turning up for duties yesterday.
The poor turn-out of staff was the result of the unfortunate event that unfolded and escalated over the weekend in Goroka town after the recent killing of the late PNG Ports CEO.
Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority CEO Dr Joseph Apa said, they have scaled down their operations and only allowed the emergency ward to be open because they were short staffed.
“Many of the hospital staff were in fear and did not turn up for work, while some did not turn up because they come from the same Tribe “Benna” as the late PNG Ports CEO,” said Dr. Apa.
Meanwhile, only 6 people were brought in for treatment after receiving minor injuries from the fight but suddenly left the hospital due to fear.
Dr. Apa said, they are hoping that operations in the hospital will be back in full swing by the end of the week after the hospital scaled down its operations while schools and shops were closed on Tuesday.
He added that they are hoping to see the newly elected politicians play a greater role as leaders of the province to arrest the current situation.