A drug and funding shortage in Papua New Guinea is so severe that eight hospitals have been forced to close, and a vast majority could follow suit by the end of the month.
The country's doctors will on Tuesday submit a 30 day notice to the government, threatening to walk off the job indefinitely if the situation isn't resolved.
The general secretary of the National Doctors Association, Sam Yockopua, says the crisis stems from tender issues and the government's free healthcare programme.
He says hospitals can no longer charge for supplies, but the government has not paid the money to cover the costs.
Dr Yockopua told Jamie Tahana the government has had plenty of time to sort the issue, and doctors are prepared to strike.
Listen
Photo: Supplied