Morobe Provincial Health Authority (PHA) says the hospital has acknowledged the pressing issue of bed space shortage and prolonged waiting times for patients seeking emergency care.
Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Kipas Binga, attributes these challenges to the significant number of vacancies within the hospital, totalling 860 positions.
Adding that despite completing 400 of these vacancies, there remain 460 positions to be filled, with 200 vacancies allocated to ANGAU Hospital and another 200 across other districts health facilities.
The aged infrastructure, still in use after 16 years, further compounds the strain on resources.
Dr. Binga emphasizes the importance of public understanding regarding the patient-to-nursing officer ratio at the hospital.
However, he firmly states that the limited vacancies should not excuse any nursing officers from fulfilling their duties, particularly in the Accident and Emergency department.
Meanwhile Dr. Binga urged patients to report any instances of nursing officers neglecting their duties while on duty.
This proactive approach aims to ensure accountability and maintain the quality of care provided, despite the staffing challenges faced by the hospital.