Doctor dies after alleged assault in Kundiawa
A 26-year-old medical officer serving at the Sir Joseph Nombri Memorial Kundiawa Provincial Hospital has died after an alleged brutal assault, casting a dark shadow over Papua New Guinea's 51st Independence Day celebrations in Simbu.
The deceased is Dr Robert Waiye from Gera village in the Sinesine Yongomugl District.
Simbu Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang, confirmed the incident.
PPC Rubiang said seven suspects, including another doctor, are now in police custody.
He assured the family, hospital staff and the people of Simbu that police will get to the bottom of the investigation and that those involved will face the full force of the law.
Dr Waiye allegedly sustained severe traumatic brain injury after being attacked between 12:30 am and 2:00 am on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at the residence of the owner of Gateway Fuelers Club at DPI, Kundiawa.
According to eyewitnesses, Dr Waiye and a colleague had drinks at the club and were leaving when they were allegedly attacked by youths who were drinking inside the club owner's residence.
He was rushed to the hospital, where colleagues and specialist doctors attempted urgent interventions, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at 8:38 am today (Thursday, September 17, 2026).
PPC Rubiang described the incident as 'animalistic and barbaric'.
Following the death, the Simbu Provincial Health Authority [SiPHA] issued a petition to the Provincial Police Commander, with instructions to deliver it to all mandated leaders in the six districts of Simbu, including the Governor.
SiPHA CEO, Dr Ken Kassi, condemned the killing in the strongest terms imaginable, saying it is unacceptable for a Simbu doctor to die at the hands of fellow Simbus.
In the petition SiPHA outlined three key demands:
- Justice for Dr. Waiye: All perpetrators must be apprehended and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law to protect health workers from future attacks.
- Protection of Health Workers: Communities are urged to safeguard health staff in vulnerable situations, offering assistance rather than harm.
- Respect for Health Services: All health facilities, staff residences, vehicles and equipment must be protected. Any acts of theft, obstruction or violence against SiPHA staff must be met with strict legal consequences.
Dr Kassi emphasized that Simbu's doctor-to-patient ratio stands at 1:40,000, and the loss of Dr Waiye not only deprives the province of a dedicated young professional but also threatens health service delivery if other doctors leave due to safety concerns.
"SiPHA is demanding a response and assurance within 48 hours," Dr Ken said.
Following the incident, Kundiawa General Hospital came to a total shutdown this morning.
Director of Curative Health Services, Joseph Ande, announced on behalf of hospital management and staff that all operations will cease for two days as a mark of respect for their fallen colleague, with only emergency cases to be attended to.
He said if the petition is not met within two days, management will decide on the next course of action.
Earlier, CEO Dr Kassi had advised staff to return to their workstations, but staff disagreed and resolved to go on strike.
Police investigations are continuing.