by Fabian Hakalits – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Christian Health Services have confirmed receiving the grants for the month of August, which caters for salaries and operational expenses.
These grants were released yesterday except for the month of July and will be distributed to all agencies.
Church Health Services Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Bernard Rutmat, told EMTV News today that Christian Health Services was aware of the financial situation affecting salaries and operations of its line agencies around the country.
These comments come after the Catholic Church Health Services Secretary, Justin McMahon and Executive Director Sr Tarcisia Hunhoff released a media statement about the slow release of funds that has affected operations.
The Church Health Services was in support of calls from its agency, Catholic Church Health Services for funds still owed by the National Government.
But the challenge remains for the July outstanding grants to be released soon.
Mr Rutmat also confirmed the delay of July and August grants.
Church Health Services is aware of PNG’s financial situation, and pleads with agencies, but cannot do much but called on all agencies to cooperate.
According to Maureen Maboni K12.3 million of grant is released every month. K2.3 million for operations and K10 million for salaries.
“Agencies are expected to receive their share of funds next week, once all documents are finalised,” she said.
The Christian Health Services Secretariat is working closely with the National Health Department to ensure funds are made available to all agencies.
But the call remains, for the National Government to release funds on time, to avoid disruptions of services.
