By Eric Haurupma – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The Combined News Workers Union has voiced concerns that the continuous boycotting of classes by UPNG Medical Faculty students will affect the normal operations of implementing health programs in the country.
They said there will be a gap in the delivery of health services if over 300 health practitioners do not graduate by the end of this year.
Given the prolonged boycotting of classes by University of Papua New Guinea students, including medical faculty students, much emphasis has been given on the viability of their academic studies.
UPNG students have been aware of this through a senate resolution outlining conditions for them to resume classes.
However, it is two weeks into the semester and students are frustrated because there’s no response from the government as yet.
NCD Governor, Powes Parkop, was present to receive a petition from the university students this afternoon.
Yesterday, concerns were raised by combined News Sector Workers Union comprising of the National Doctors Association, PNG Nurses Association, Community News Workers Association, Allied News Workers Association, PNG News Support Workers Union, News Extension Officers Association, Medical Laboratory Technicians Association and Environment News Association.
With the boycotting of classes, there are chances of making this semester unviable and unfortunately over 300 health workers, including 30 doctors, will not make it to health institutions.
In addition, union members also expressed dissatisfaction in the manner in which the government has stripped off health services.
This will certainly affect the delivery of health services due to staff shortages and limited medical supplies.
They said this was demonstrated by the slash in budget by 30 per cent.
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