By Patricia Keamo, EMTV News – Port Moresby
Following the launch of the National Health Insurance Scheme by insurance company, PNG Health Assurance Company Limited on the 9th of March, President of National Doctors Association, Dr James Naipao released a statement accusing PHA of misleading the Public.
The details of Dr Naipao’s statement were published by Post Courier on the 14th of March.
This has raised questions on how the National Health Insurance Scheme was established as well as how PHA will roll out the Insurance Scheme for Public servants.
In response to the NDA’s statement, PHA called a press conference today to clarify their side of the story.
Amongst other issues raised by the NDA President in an article published by Post Courier were the number of public servants who have signed up for this health insurance scheme and PHA’s medical partners in PNG. President of the National Doctor’s Association, Dr James Naipao described the scheme as misleading.
In a media conference held today, PHA Specialist Advisor Raj Juta reiterated that PHA has not released any official statement regarding the number of public servants signing up for the health insurance as well as their medical partners in PNG.
“We at PHA are deeply offended by the statements and false accusations made that have misled the public servants,” says Juta. “PHA has not made any official statement that all 110,000 public servants have signed-up for this voluntary health insurance scheme.”
Mr Juta emphasized that this health insurance scheme is voluntary and not all public servants are required to sign up. Also, PHA has not stated that preferential treatment will be given to public servants in public hospitals.
PHA would like to inform the NDA as well as the general public that the company has been granted permission by IPA to conduct business in PNG.
Mr Juta says PHA has partnered with AXA insurance, the biggest insurance company in the world and they have no intention of misleading the public.
He added that PHA’s aim is to provide quality and affordable health to all Papua New Guineans.
Specialist Advisor Juta with the PHA directors are calling on the National Doctor’s Association to meet with them and discuss other comments or statements regarding PHA.
