By Jack Lapauve Jr – EMTV, Port Moresby
The Mendi Nursing College is in dire need of improvements to its facilities to cater to increasing enrolment numbers.
College Principal Sister Lucy Langer says the institution is critical in producing health workers, but authorities have given little attention.
“Not just that, the problems also extend to messing and student accommodation,” Sister Langer added.
Sister Langer said the college reopened in 2010 after closing down in 2002, due to tribal fights in the area. She said only the Health Department has been financially assisting the college along with the Department of Higher Education.
Sister Langer has been the head of the college for almost 20 years now. She says the struggles she faces in keeping the institution running are immense, as enrolments increase every year.
“We need to balance student ratio with teaching staff,” she said.
The college witnessed its second batch of graduates recently, with 40 students graduating with a Diploma in Primary Nursing. The college is one of the two higher learning institutions in Southern Highlands province.
It opened its doors for enrolment in 1983.
Talks to amalgamate UPNG’s School of Medical Health and Science are in progress, but this may take time. Deputy Dean of UPNG’s School of Medical Science, Professor John Vince said discussions are in progress, with a decision to be announced later in the year.
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