Staff harassment forces closure of health centre

Togoba SDA Health Centre in Western Highlands Province has closed for an indefinite period due to the frequent intimidation and harassment of staff by locals.

A week ago, a group of young men pushed a bush knife through the window of a staff house at midnight while the family was asleep.

Staff say this was the fourth incident recorded since last year.

Officer-in-charge Sai Haguai says the lives of his staff are at risk and the facility will remain closed until an amicable understanding is reached between the locals, the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority and the SDA Health Services to protect the welfare of the staff and the facilities as well.

The facility is located between Hagen Central, Tambul-Nebilyer and Mul-Baiyer. It treats 60 -70 patients per day.

However, after it was closed for a week, patients have been travelling to Mt Hagen General Hospital.

Haguai is urging Togoba leaders to address the issue immediately.

The facility is run by the SDA Health Services; the management is yet to address the issue.

Concerned officers are calling on the SDA Health Services as well to act promptly in protecting the facility and those who work there.

(Loop file pic)

Author: 
Salome Vincent