Health Minister assures Allied Health Workers of payments

Health Minister Elias Kapavore assured Parliament this morning that the government is committed to paying the unpaid allowances owed to allied health workers, which date back to 2012.

Mr. Kapavore clarified that the total amount owed to members of the PNG Allied Health Workers is K12 million, and not K18.2 million as claimed by the association.

This issue was the first question during today's Parliament session, especially as the deadline for a potential strike by allied health workers is set for Sunday.

Northern Provincial Member Garry Juffa asked Health Minister Elias Kapavore to explain what the Department of Health is doing to prevent this proposed strike action.

Papua New Guinea Allied Health Workers Association represents medical professionals in public hospitals who provide patients care services at pharmacy, radiology, anesthetic, dental, radiotherapy and physiotherapy services. 

Minister Kapavore also said that if a strike action occurs, it will be illegal because the current association executives' term ended in 2021.

In a media statement, the Association stated that on 17th October a meeting was held with Health Minister Elias Kapovore with an ultimatum for a nationwide strike should the non-compliance of the award claim is not settled by the 15th of November, this date lapse without any payment made.