MALABAG WARNS HOSPITAL BOSSES

The government has given a warning to public hospital managers that they would be suspended or replaced if they do not deliver basic health care to patients.

Health Minister Michael Malabag has told Radio Australia that the managers of the Wewak and Kimbe hospitals have been suspended over alleged financial management and that five other managers face suspension over similar allegations.

Mr Malabag says he wants to give a clear signal to the management of public hospitals throughout the country.

"The government in the 2000 allocation has put in much resources back into the health sector.

"It's now a question of a prudent management and I need a very strong world administrators in there to make sure that the funds are expanded properly and that our people see services from the government at the end of the day".