The suspended CEO of the Popondetta Hospital will be reinstated.
That’s instructions from the Health Minister, Sir Puka Temu.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Popondetta General Hospital, Gunzee Gawin was suspended by the hospital board over allegations of mismanagement.
This has caused friction among the hospital staff.
Northern Province Governor, Garry Juffa, raised the concern in parliament as the friction is affecting health services to the general public in Popondetta and the Province as a whole.
“I have met with both to try and understand the situation and there are serious issues raised by both parties.
“These issues need to be thoroughly investigated so there can be normal delivery of health services.
However, the Health Minister, Sir Puka Temu, said the hospital board did not follow the proper process in suspending the CEO, and has instructed them to reinstate him.
“Advice from the Department of Personal Management is that the suspension of the CEO was not according to disciplinary processes. So the board chairman and the team have agreed, under my directive to reinstate the CEO.
Sir Puka said if the allegations are serious enough, they will need to follow the right processes. He has instructed the Health Secretary to send a team to investigate the issue as well.
“If the allegations are serious enough and if my assessment of the allegations reveal that there are some serious ones than they need to now follow the right procedures and recharge him, set the charges and allow him to respond.
“Through the appointment process where DPM needs to be involved, if the charges are sustained, then we will appoint a new acting CEO”.