LOCAL BUSINESSMAN HELPS UNPAID HEALTH WORKERS

Direct employees at the hospital were supported by a local businessman after missing two fortnights without pay. Photo: sichange.org

Direct employees of the Helena Goldie Hospital in Munda, Western Province have been supported by a local business man, who donated more than 19-thousand dollars to meet their unpaid efforts over the past two fortnights, after learning of their plight.

Radio Hapi Lagun’s Cathy Lezutuni reports, the workers had missed last week’s fortnight pay, and with no forthcoming monthly grant from the Ministry of Health, the workers were expecting yet another unpaid fortnight

But after learning of their plight, local business man, Peter Umea, stepped in to support the direct employees by donating 19-thousand, 5-hundred and 71 dollars.

Handing the cash over to the hospital’s Medical Superintendent Graham Longbottom, Mr. Umea said despite not being paid, the workers primary concern are the hospital’s sick patients and he couldn’t help but step into their shoes.

SIBC News understands at one occasion last year, the hospital had to raise funds in order to meet its staff’s salaries.