Simbu PHA responds to facebook post on hospital deaths, warns against defamation

The Simbu Provincial Health Authority [SiPHA] has issued a strong response to a viral Facebook post by former police officer and concerned citizen Wine Niel, addressing claims of negligence at Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial Kundiawa General Hospital [SJNM-Kundiawa].

In a public statement dated January 29, 2026, Chief Executive Officer of SiPHA, Dr. Ken Kassi, extended condolences to Niel and his family over the loss of his young son in the hospital's medical ward, as highlighted in Niel's January 27 post on the Simbu Notice Board Facebook page.

"Due respect to Mr. Wine Niel and family around the time of the loss," Dr. Ken said.

He emphasized that the child suffered from a terminal illness where only palliative care was appropriate.

He said earlier screening could have led to better outcomes through the professional and committed efforts of specialist physicians, doctors, and nursing staff.

Dr. Kassi also addressed two other deaths mentioned in the post, describing them as having very poor prognosis and expected outcomes, but declines further comment without relatives' consent.

Dr. Ken said Posting in such manner can attract trouble and mentioned that SiPHA highlights broader progress, reporting a significant drop in deaths under its care from 315 in 2024 to 157 in 2025 with about 60% occurring in the medical ward due to severe conditions.

He said that the huge decline in deaths has to be commended and crediting the dedication of SJNM-Kundiawa Provincial Hospital staff who treated 16,025 patients last year.

While acknowledging that deaths occur despite maximum effort, he condemns derogatory posts as inappropriate, selfish, and insane, urging respect for health workers to encourage their best efforts.

CEO said SiPHA rejects defensive medicine, practices seen elsewhere due to public attacks however reaffirming values of God fearing, teamwork, commitment, care, and progressiveness.

He said his office, curative health services, and nursing administration remains open for professional discussions, with standard pathways like morbidity and mortality reviews in place.

However, he said, SiPHA will not tolerate unjustified, unlawful, or derogatory content, including unauthorized photos or videos of patients.

He said violators will face action under the Cyber Crime Code Act 2016, irrespective of their standing in the society.

"We are not perfect, but we try our best every day," Dr. Ken concludes.

Niel could not be reached for comment at time of publication.