Medical society disassociates itself from Mola report

By MALUM NALU

The PNG Medical Society has disassociated itself from "unprofessional actions" of its treasurer Prof Glen Mola in making allegations against former society president Dr Mathias Sapuri.

This follows the publication of a leaked report in The National last Friday in which Mola claimed that Sapuri had misused almost K1 million during his tenure as president.

Mola, however, said at the weekend that he did not know how The National obtained an advance copy of his treasurer's report.

"I wish to make it clear that I did not send a copy of my treasurer's report to The National," he said.

"I do not know where The National got a copy of the report. 

"My report should have been treated as confidential by members of the Medical Society until it is presented to the annual general meeting of the society on Sept 7 in Kimbe. 

"At the AGM, members will have an opportunity to consider the report and vote on either accepting or rejecting it, and also make any recommendations as to what action – if any - to take as a result of it.

"I note also that Dr Sapuri is reported as stating that 'legal action would be sought against Mola if the allegations were found to be false'. 

"In fact no 'allegations' are made in my report; my report only contains statements of fact."

Society president Prof Nakapi Tefuarani said today that neither he nor his executive sanctioned and approved Mola's report.

"In fact," he said, "the official decision and plan reached during the executive meeting was for Dr Mola to present his 2010-2011 financial report at the annual general meeting in Kimbe this year.

"He was warned not to publicise the allegations he had conjured against Dr Sapuri.

"The past president, Dr Mathias Sapuri, was asked and will present his exit report at the society's AGM in Kimbe in 2011 and treasurer Prof Glen Mola is expected to present the financial report covering Sept 2010 to Sept 2011.

"However, despite being told by the current president and his executive to be more professional towards the former president, Prof Glen Mola has unilaterally opted to pursue this in a manner that of a personal vendetta."

Tefurani said his executive would raise Mola's actions at this week's Medical Symposium in Kimbe for appropriate decision and action.

He assured all members, supporters and donors that his executive would continue to manage administer the affairs of the society with "due diligence".