The President of the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association says more than 4000 nurses have taken strike action nationwide.
Lawrence Namaro says the nurses went on strike yesterday and will stay away until the government agrees to talks.
The nurses want the government to accept their proposal for higher pay and improved conditions for insurance cover, retrenchment and housing.
Mr Namaro says the lack of response from the government since the proposal was submitted in May, left no other option but to stop work.
"I'm just really sick and tired of this government to stay and wait until we go on strike. We don't want this. We want to talk and we want to negotiate. I think the Industrial Relations system is made in a way that we should talk."
Lawrence Namaro says it is unfortunate that strike action had to begin so close to the festive season.
