Papua New Guinea: Nurses continue to strike in several provinces nationwide as of Nov. 11 /update 1

Event

Members of the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (PNGNA) have stated they will continue their nationwide labor action amid a compensation dispute with the government. As of Nov. 11, nurses from the National Capital District and several provinces, including Morobe, East Sepik, West Sepik, Western Highlands, and Western, have participated in the walk-out. The most extensive participation is occurring in Port Moresby and Lae. However, nurses are maintaining minimal staffing levels, preventing severe disruptions at public medical facilities.

PNGNA continues to hold sit-ins daily. Most demonstrations are occurring near government medical facilities. In Lae, nurses have protested at Angau Memorial Hospital, while nurses in Port Morseby have demonstrated at medical facilities and PNGNA headquarters. Additional protests are likely until the government and nurses reach an agreement; future rallies could take place at government offices, especially in Port Moresby. Localized transport disruptions remain possible near any protest site, especially in major urban areas.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments as a precaution. Plan for medical service delays. If possible, contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Exercise caution near any protests; allow additional time to reach destinations near likely protest sites.