By Meriba Tulo – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Council of Public Sector Unions, COPSU, has rejected the recently announced Medicare Health Plan by Government – a plan, being promoted by PNG Health Assurance.
It is instead calling on Government to involve the Public Employees Association and other unions in discussions to negotiate a better medicare and life insurance cover for public servants throughout Papua New Guinea.
In March this year, the National Government announced a partnership with PNG Health Assurance to provide medical insurance for public servants throughout the country, under the National Health Insurance Scheme.
At the launch of this partnership, the Ministers for Finance, and Public Service respectively gave their support for the PHA led initiative.
According to President of Public Employees Association, and Chairman of the Council of Public Sector Unions, Robert Kutapai, there are existing arrangements that need to be improved, which COPSU is looking into, rather than signing up to the newly established National Insurance Scheme.
At its recent meeting, the Council of Public Sector Unions has rejected the National Insurance Scheme put forward by Government.
COPSU Deputy Chairman, Ugwalubu Mowana revealed that COPSU had resolved to discourage its Union members from signing up to the PHA-led National Insurance Scheme.
COPSU have also resolved to have the Unions negotiate with the State for improved medical and life-insurance cover for public servants throughout Papua New Guinea.
