The Morobe Nurses Association has petitioned the Morobe Provincial Health Authority to look into the issue of lack of human resources and medical supplies as COVID-19 cases continue to increase in the province.
Association President, Sr. Siling Awasa says the lack of human resources and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll on an already fragile public health system in Morobe.
“We have an aging workforce that cannot handle the COVID-19 surge,” Awasa revealed.
Their concerns stemmed from years of neglect on the public health system that is now been tested by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For years urban clinics and aid posts in Morobe have faced staff shortages, delays in medical supplies and rundown infrastructure amidst many other issues.
Sr. Awasa said some health workers have contracted COVID-19 and that has affected health facilities’ daily operations.
The petitioned demands that vacant staff positions be filled, proper infrastructures be built and more funding made available for health programs.
The Nurses’ have also called on the nine Morobe MPs and authorities to look into these issues seriously.
“We will not hesitate to take further action like walking off from our job,” warns Sr. Awasa.
