By Merilyn Diau-Katam – EM TV News, Port Moresby
In his Easter message today, Fr. Victor Roche, the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference said the country needs to reflect on the tough economic times ahead.
He also called on the government to reconsider the K50 million cut imposed on church-run health facilities in the country.
He said it will have an impact on the people who rely on the services
Fr. Victor said Easter is a time to reflect and repent on one ’s self, their actions towards others and how it affects them.
He said especially now when the country is facing economic challenges, it is also the time for the government to reflect on how their decisions affect the country.
Fr. Victor warned that there is always the fight between good and evil.
He related that to the Good Friday incident in Port Moresby, when Catholic faithfuls attending the Stations of the Cross, were interrupted by a hit and run vehicle, which saw three people injured.
On the government’s decision to cut K50 million funding for church-run health services, Fr. Victor said, these facilities are significant for the rural population.
“The Catholic Church is giving health services in the country for 30 per cent of the people and it is an important service. In reducing the K50 million, we (health providers) are not delivering services to the people of PNG.
“I call upon the Prime Minister, please reverse your decision and give that money back which is an important service to the people of the rural area who need it most,” said Fr. Victor.
He added that the Catholic Church will continue to assist in its social responsibilities of delivering health services in the country with whatever they can offer based on humanitarian grounds.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=GA8smm48zDE%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
