NIP health workers protest violence

Healthcare workers at the New Ireland Provincial Health Authority have taken to the streets this morning, in a peaceful protest, demanding stronger protections after a series of brutal assaults on medical staff.

The New Ireland Provincial Health Authority led the demonstration, calling for urgent action from authorities.

The protest comes in response to recent violent attacks on healthcare workers in New Ireland, with reports of doctors and nurses being physically assaulted while on duty.

Medical staff say they fear for their safety, as incidents of aggression from patients and their relatives have been on the rise.

Law enforcement agencies, Acting Provincial Administrator and CEO Social sector - Benson Apelis, senior management officers, New Ireland Provincial Works and Tigak/Tukuvul landowner Association, and relevant partners also joined for the peaceful march this morning under the theme: Stop Violence, violence free community."

The protest began in a convoy of vehicles beginning from New Ireland Provincial Health Authority, in three respective groups. Team One conveyed from Kona market to the urban villages of Omo, Kulangit, Maiom and Utu secondary school.

Team two started from Sule urban village near the hospital around the back road where the recent incident happened, then to Pawa house area, all the way to Rawal settlements.

Team three started at the Indian camp, next to the Kavieng diocesan premises, and convoyed to town.

All teams will meet in front of Garden Enterprise, then convoy to the Provincial Administration where further speeches will made.