Rose (mother) and toddler in the treatment room at Susa Mama health clinic, Port Moresby General Hospital, PNG Photo: Ness Kerson/madNESS Photography for AusAID
Negotiations between the Papua New Guinea's Doctors' Association and government health officials have ended successfully, with the doctors cancelling a threat to withdraw services.
The doctors had given the government until this afternoon to resolve seven issues or non-critical medical services would be withdrawn.
But the association's general secretary, Dr Sam Yockapua, said three of the issues, those concerning outstanding payments, were settled on the spot during the discussions, with cheques being handed over.
He said "the other four - we came up with very conclusive findings and we are satisfied. We have got time frames and we have got people who will work on things".
Dr Yockapua said they have got agreement in place, "so we are very happy and our members nationwide, almost 600 doctors, will certainly provide a valuable service to their patients, without any further interruptions".
Dr Sam Yockapua of the PNG Doctor's Association Photo: RNZI/Melvin Levongo