PNG Defense Minister, Dr. Billy Joseph on Saturday condemned the assault of Doctor (Dr) Thomas Aiyaka on Friday morning at his Gerehu Hospital workplace in Port Moresby.
The medical doctor was allegedly assaulted by drunken police officers.
Minister Billy, a medical doctor himself prior to his election as MP for Nipa-Kutubu, described the assault as “utterly heartless.”
He said the attack was inflicted on Dr. Aiyaka and the other hardworking health professional while performing their duties, serving our people.
Defense Minister. Dr. Joseph stated in a statement that: “This kind of behavior by members of the law enforcement agencies against civilians, especially doctors, is unacceptable, and will not be tolerated.”
Police Commissioner David Manning visited the Gerehu General Hospital last Friday and assured the public and staff of the hospital that the policemen involved in the assault will be identified and brought out to face the full force of the laws.
“(Therefore), I commend the Minister for Police, Hon. Peter Tsiamalili Jnr and Commissioner of Police David Manning for their leadership and prompt actions taken to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice to account for their actions,” Minister Joseph stated.
Dr. Billy expressed his intention and stated in a statement: “As a medical doctor, seeing the photos of the victim with blood and bruises all over his face and body causes deep emotion of pain and anger in me and evokes my memories of the hardships these health workers go through every day, especially while on-call during the night,”
After reported: “Dr. Thomas Aiyaka was attacked with other staff members of the hospital by two heavily intoxicated policemen around 3am last Friday, “Defense Minister. Dr. Joseph said.
Minister Joseph also extended his sympathies to Dr. Thomas Aiyaka and his family, and staff of Gerehu Hospital who are traumatized by this incident.