AN insurance policy signed between the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) and Parnell Assurance PNG will enable easier access to benefits for police personnel.
Police commissioner David Manning said the new insurance arrangement overcame difficulties experienced in past coverage which had required the upfront payment of medical bills in full before beneficiaries could seek an 80 to 90 per cent reimbursement.
“Previous insurance policies had been unfair for personnel in that treatment was being delayed, but rapid access to healthcare is something for which delays are not acceptable,” he said.
“With the new policy, all members of the Constabulary will be issued with cards which they will present at affiliated medical institutions for treatment without needed to pay anything upfront.
“Now our more than 6,000 police personnel have clear information on the health benefits to which they are entitled and have easier and faster access to these benefits.”
Manning said the new agreement provided access to medical services and life insurance, with the policy being in force from now until July 2026, at which time it would be reviewed.
“This health insurance card concept will be the first of its kind for police personnel to access health insurance at the designated hospitals and clinics across the country.
“We have also commenced talks to include mental health services as part of insurance coverage, this is important considering the gruesome tasks to which police often have to attend.
“A healthy police force is an effective police force with higher dedication, but a lack of attention to healthcare by successive governments has been a factor that undermined morale.
“That was not good enough when we have our men and women in uniform going out each day and putting their safety on the line for the protection of our people. A career in the force must add value to the lives of personnel and their legal dependants.”
Manning made the point that the policy comes as a result of the Government’s escalated support to the police force, particularly at a time when the RPNGC was seeking to retain the most effective police men and women, and recruit thousands more into the force.
“The police force is competing with other employers to attract suitable candidates, and we have taken deliberate steps to ensure we offer the right environment for quality police officers.
“As commissioner, I have directed policy and administrative reforms aimed to address the welfare issues and modernisation the police force,” he said.
“working with Government, we can address many critical issues affecting the constabulary.
