PRESS RELEASE
The Ombudsman Commission is conducting investigations against the Department of Personnel Management regarding the alleged revocation of the NEC Decision to implement the Public Servants Health Care Policy.
The creation of the Public Service Nuicare Association Inc. or NIUCARE, is an initiative by the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) and it represents a significant step by the Government of Papua New Guinea towards ensuring the well-being of the public servants in the country and reduced financial burden on the government’s health care expenditure.
In establishing the Public Servants’ Health Care Policy under Niucare, the Government is required to consult the public servants as provided under Section 255 (Consultation) of the Constitution and consultation must be meaningful to allow for a genuine interchange and consideration. The public servants must be given first opportunity to have a say in any policy or law that will affect their well-being.
Any policy draws its basis from the enabling legislation and is dovetailed into the National Medium Term Development Strategy which gives effect to the National Goals and Directive Principles, in particular, Integral Human Development (Goal No. 1) and Equality and Participation (Goal No. 2). Such policy must give effect to the Basic Social Obligations and the Basic Rights and Freedoms provided for by the Constitution.
Our public servants have the right to the protection of the law etc. NJUCARE represents a significant step by the Government of Papua New Guinea towards ensuring the well-being of the public servants in the country and reduced financial burden on the government however, there are many stakeholders in this resolve and it requires collective and concerted effort.
On a broader level, the Commission has general jurisdiction in ensuring good governance. To achieve good governance, institutions need good policies and plans and implement them effectively. That is easier said because often one experiences resource constraints but this should not dishearten such commendable effort.
One of the purposes of the establishment of the Ombudsman Commission is to help in the elimination of unfair or otherwise defective legislation and practices affecting or administered by governmental bodies and it is to ensure that due process and procedures must be followed for the public servants to benefit from the program.
While its functions are investigations, the Commission is obliged by law to promote and protect the integrity of leaders and help in the improvement of the work of government bodies and also to ensure that there is good governance, accountability, transparency and quality leadership in the public sector.
MOC APPOVED PRESS RELEASE
Appreciate the good work of ombudsman commision for upholding order in the government system. Please,I suggest that the commission must expose itself by open media platforms since many are unaware of its vital role n how to report sensitive issues or concerns for seeking justice. Thanks very much.
I am Joshua Lyarip,a nursing officer file # 01504467,who is very happy for an ombudsman commission and Niucare concerning public servant like me who had been a victim in EPHA System in Enga during my work for 21 years.
I want ombudsman commission to investigation Enga Provincial Health Authority about the causes mentioned as:
1- Worked in certain work areas for long time without transfer,no promotion,neighter accepted to positions applied in last two advertisements in 2019,and 2022.
2- Ceased to Salaries for several times
– one in 2023 April to 2024 April.>(26PPE)
-first in 2021 May to November 2021>(13PPE)
-deductions commenced two pays right after reinstatement to salaries in June 2024.
deductions worth k300 per forthnight from July 2024 until March 2025 now persists.
Over 19( PPE ) Nintheen pay period ending.
I have developed complications,including my childrens,and family members were all affected.
My childrens learning,education were gone wrong due to missed salaries for over 40 fortnights.
My childrens are affected,stay home without learning because of financial constraints ,and discrimination in HRM Enga-EPHA.
I really appreciate this upgrades for the ombudsman to check public servant in Health departments.And more,I would be happier for your support to settle my issues with Engagement Provincial Health Authority’s/HRM.
Dear OBC,
In This Pay day day 02/04/25 another pay deduction worth k200.
I dont know why all these contineously happening on add to my complains already laid to ombudsman commission in here.
Im yet to get a pay slip to find out to where,and how its happening this week.
When I ask for payslips,my salaries office in Wabag deny processing each time.
Today I went to ask OIC salaries in What Mathew Pake said He’s not aware as well.
He said to me, your payslip print cant be done in Wabag Salaries.
Im really confused,and it seems so traumatic for me and family.