Northern Governor Garry Juffa unequivocally condemns the brutal attack on the Popondetta General Hospital staffer, Marina Kambakle, a nursing sister who has served Oro tirelessly since 2016.
On the same afternoon another key worker pharmacist Presley Aku and Heo Rose Kona were also held at gun point by faceless cowards on the outskirts of Popondetta town.
Governor Guffa said such animalistic acts of terror toward our health worker are not only an affront to the principles of humanity but also undermine the essential services that these professionals provide to Oro and Papua New Guinea.
Health workers, teachers and public servants who work in Peri urban and rural must be protected and respected with the highest regard as it is incumbent on all of us in the community against egregious violation of their basic human rights.
“I will also be making a special case to the Commissioner of Police, the Office of the Attorney General and Line Agencies to make stern provisions in law to deliver the harshest punishment for those who challenge our unsung heroes in the health, education and public service delivery space,” said Governor Juffa.
“I have made a call direct to our Provincial Police Commander Ewai Segi and head of the provincial Security Council Trevor Magei to give every priority to apprehending the culprits who carried out these inhumane faceless aggressions on our health workers. I will not rest until I see these culprits behind bars and justice is carried out on behalf of the silent majority of health workers, especially in Oro.”
Juffa reassure all the health workers in Oro and particularly those at the Popondetta general Hospital, that his government is committed to ensuring the health workers’ safety is reviewed and necessary actions will be taken immediately to address some of administrative greys coming out of this nasty experience.
“My call to the Police commissioner is clear and precise and want decisive remedial action taken against those responsible for yesterday’s attack on our health workers.”
He added, it is imperative that the police act swiftly with their investigations and are thorough to delivering a finality to those who caused this grief.
“Additionally, I have directed my office to immediately review the current security measures at the Popondetta general Hospital and all health facilities throughout the province and report back on remedial action to prevent future reoccurrences.”
“Finally, my heart and prayers are with the families of those staff attacked and to all our unsung heroes of the Northern Provincial Health Authority, your cry will not go unheard, and I assure you all, together we will fight to bring justice to their doorsteps,” said Juffa.