By Eric Haurupma – EMTV News, Port Moresby
More health workers are needed to effectively deliver health services in 21 health facilities across the country, says NCD Health Advisor, Dr Garry Ou’u.
He said through public, private partnerships with privately-run institutions that offer health programs, this will increase health workers to work in health facilities.
Today saw an MOU signing today between the Health Department and private institution, Asia Pacific Institute of Applied, Social and Technical Studies, in Port Moresby.
This MOU paves way over 50 medical students attending APIASETS to undergo training at Port Moresby Health Facilities.
APIASETS Health Science Program Manager, Florian Yabilafuan, said of these 50 students: 24 are attaining community health worker training and 25 are receiving general nursing.
Speaking to students during this ceremony NCD Health Advisor, Dr. Gary Ou’u, said these students will be part of over 1,000 health workers that are currently needed.
Through this partnership arrangement, students will receive applied health skills to become competent health workers.
NCD Curative Health Director, Dr. Jerry Tanumai, said with lower health ratio of health workers in the Pacific including PNG, these people are important in health service delivery.
He said Papua New Guineans are better in clinical health, therefore encourages students to attain training to perform better in curative health.
APIASETS Executive Director, Thomas Pillar, challenged students to work harder and become successful health workers.
