At around 4am this morning, doctors, nurses and patients say they were attacked by reserve police officers at the Gerehu General Hospital in Port Moresby. According to the Gerehu Hospital Manager Dr. Ruben Kiten, a group of police men under the influence of alcohol came into the hospital with a patient whose diagnosis is still unknown, demanded for fast medical treatment but was asked to wait by a senior doctor who was attending to another patient. Dr. Kiten said, the officer attacked the senior doctor, left and returned with reinforcement and opened fire and shot into the hospital causing panic to the hospital staff and patients. The senior doctor is currently at the Port Moresby General Hospital seeking treatment along with an asthmatic patient who was also attacked. “The first incident took place; they went out and came back with reinforcements.” “They hit the doctor the second time and when he was on the ground, he was kicked like a soccer ball.” “He left his family and came to work to serve the people.” “There was another attack, an asthmatic patient who was hit on the head and collapsed next to the doctor.” “And when they came back with the reinforcement, that’s when they started firing shots in the hospital.” Dr. Kiten told media that they went into the emergency ward and attacked everyone from doctors to the guardians in the hospital. He called these actions barbaric coming from a disciplinary force. “From the emergency ward, they went to the medical ward and the paediatric ward and did the same thing. Complete chaos last night.” “Many of the hospital staff had to remove their unforms, especially the nurses, and hid beneath the hospital beds to take cover.” Dr. Kiten made a strong call to the Police hierarchy to take immediate action and hold those men responsible for their actions and take proper disciplinary actions on them. He urged the police department to ensure that the hospital, staff and patients’ safety is guaranteed. Meanwhile, Zone 2 Commander Chief Inspector Tobby Hamago said, investigations into the matter are currently underway as this incident is of top priority now under the command of the Police Commissioner. He urged all staff members of the hospital who were on duty at the time of the incident to provide witness statements/reports to help investigations move smoother and faster. “If you were around that time when the incident happened, give us the story, come forward.” “If you know the police officer, give us the name.” “We need you to cooperate with us. Give us more information so that we can fast track this investigation.” The Police Commissioner later visited the Hospital to address the staff. At present, the Hospital remains closed.