BackOn 9 November 2020, the Post Courier reported an alleged understaffing of nursing personnel’s and unpaid nursing awards for nurses in Central province. On 19 December 2020, the Ombudsman Commission invoked its power under Section 219(1)(a) of the Constitution and Section 13 of the Organic Law on the Ombudsman Commission and registered an own initiative complaint and investigated the matter after having knowledge of the media publication.
The Ombudsman Commission called in the relevant government agencies and authorities responsible for the welfare of the nurses in the Central Province. The investigation revealed that the Central Provincial Health Authority was established in 2021 with all personnel matters transferred to the Authority by the National Department of Health.
During the course of the inquiry, nurses also testified and affirmed that the government hadn’t settled their industrial awards.
The Commission at the conclusion of its investigation made its findings and referred the matter to the National Department of Health, Central Provincial Administration and Central Provincial Health Authority.
On 23 February 2024, the Central Provincial Health Authority informed the Ombudsman Commission that all the outstanding nurses’ awards were paid. A total of K290,904.86 was paid to each nurse’s nominated bank account in May, June and November 2023.
The Central Provincial Health Authority was pleased to work with the Ombudsman Commission to resolve this matter amicably. This accomplishment demonstrates the Ombudsman Commission’s continuous dedication to ensuring that government agencies continually meet the needs and aspirations of public servants such as nurses serving in hospitals and health centres.
The Ombudsman Commission will continue to collaborate and work with governmental bodies in the pursuit of its mission to promote good governance and quality leadership in Papua New Guinea.
Source: Ombudsman Commission of Papua New Guinea
