PNG Doctors condemn rape of staff

PNG National Doctors 

 THE National Doctors Association has condemned the alleged rape of a female medical worker in Port Moresby, saying people must appreciate the important role doctors play in society.

Association president Dr James Naipo said the incident happened while they were still mourning the death of their association vice-president Dr Alphonse Rongap who was allegedly murdered in Lae on June 25.

He said people must know that it took 27 to 32 years of a person’s schooling life to become a specialist medical doctor.
“When such unwanted, barbaric and senseless acts are brought upon scarce human resources, the country will only lose in the long run because it takes years to produce a specialist medical doctor,” he said.
He said the ratio in the country was one doctor to 20,000 people.
“With the (current) population growth, the ratio won’t narrow down anytime soon despite the 40 to 50 Bachelor of Medicine Bachelor of Surgery graduates coming out of medical school every year. This output is small.

“About 200 to 300 MBBS graduates every year should narrow the gap.”
He said rape was a taboo in traditional PNG. The law imposes a heavy penalty on offenders.
“The association strongly believes in gender equality, equal participation and equal enumeration. What has happened to the member is uncalled for. She will be scarred for life and it will take a long time to mentally recuperate,” he said. The Natioinal / PNG Today