PNG PM Marape Pledges Employment Assurance for Medical Graduates Amidst Healthcare Expansion Drive

PNG PM Marape Pledges Employment Assurance For Medical Graduates Amidst Healthcare Expansion Drive

Addressing a cohort of 356 graduates from the University of Papua New Guinea's School of Medicine and Health Science Faculty, Prime Minister James Marape reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to facilitating employment opportunities for burgeoning healthcare professionals. He emphasized the pressing need for a bolstered healthcare workforce across the nation.

Marape assured the graduates of the government's readiness to absorb them into the healthcare system, citing the increasing demand for nurses and doctors. He stressed that each graduate from the School of Medicine and Health Science could expect employment prospects, underscoring the significance of their training..

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Dr. Cecelia Nembou, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UPNG, echoed Marape's sentiments, lauding the vital role nurses play within the healthcare sector. Notably, she pointed out that a majority of the female graduates specialized in nursing, emphasizing their pivotal contribution to sustaining Papua New Guinea's healthcare services.

Out of the 350 graduates, with qualifications ranging from Masters to certificates, nearly half were women, indicating a growing representation of women in the healthcare field.

Marape acknowledged the government's financial investments, surpassing K40 million over the last three years, aimed at enhancing educational infrastructure, particularly within the School of Medicine and Health Science. However, he highlighted the glaring disparity in healthcare professional-to-population ratios, citing the World Health Organization's recommended standard of one doctor per 1,000 people, a benchmark Papua New Guinea currently falls short of.

In response, Marape reaffirmed the government's commitment to aligning healthcare training with international standards. He emphasized the imperative of collaboration between the university council and stakeholders to explore innovative approaches, such as the establishment of a dedicated medical university, to address the nation's healthcare workforce deficit effectively.

Prime Minister Marape's address underscored the urgency of expanding Papua New Guinea's healthcare capacity and ensuring the availability of qualified medical professionals to meet the population's healthcare needs.

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