Intoxicated policemen brutally assault medical doctor

The Gerehu General Hospital duty doctor who was brutally attacked early this morning by intoxicated policemen is being treated at the Port Moresby General Hospital.

Dr Thomas Aiyaka was attacked with other hospital staff by two heavily intoxicated policemen.

The NCD Health Authority has condemned this attack saying Doctors, Nurses and all Healthcare workers dedicate their lives to serve the public under challenging and demanding circumstances and this situation is likely to disturb the operation and eventually cost lives of patients.

NCDPHA Board Chairman, Daniel Waswas said they are working closely with NCD police authorities to ensure that justice is served swiftly

“For any individuals especially entrusted with enforcing the law to violently attack a doctor is unacceptable but deeply disturbing.

"Such actions undermine public trust in law enforcement and create an unsafe environment for our Healthcare workers,” Mr. Waswas said.

He said the two officers involved have been removed from the hospital premise and they expect full accountability for their actions.

Mr. Waswas assured the public that Gerehu is now secured as Dr. Aiyaka is receiving the necessary medical care.

The Law Society also issued a statement condemning the assault of Dr. Thomas Aiyaka

President of PNG Law Society Allan Mana said the assault by two police officers on a dedicated healthcare professional is not only a disgraceful breach of the law, but a direct attack on the values of justice, human rights, and public service that both the legal and medical professions uphold.

“For law enforcement officers whose duty is to protect citizens and maintain order to turn on those who provide such critical services is an unacceptable betrayal of their sworn responsibilities.

“As the President of the Law Society and the Deputy Chairman of NCDPHA, I call for immediate and decisive action.

“We demand that the police officers responsible be brought to justice without delay,” Mr. Mana said.

Police Commissioner David Manning is expected to make a statement later today