By Jack Lapauve Jr, EMTV – Port Moresby
The former Chairman of the PNG Medical Board, Dr Mathias Sapuri says there is a need for another medical school in the country. Dr Sapuri, says the current number of medical doctors is below the required rate. This he said authorities must work together to establish a standalone medical institution.
The former Dean of the University of Papua New Guinea Medical Faculty says PNG has got more work to do in increasing the number of national doctors. He said despite Divine Word University and UPNG currently offering studies in this field, more effort is needed. He says the quota produced every year is below the demand as the country’s population soars.
Dr Sapuri says it’s not just meeting the required numbers but qualified and credited doctors who can improve public health. A review was done in 2004 by different state agencies and stakeholders to address the number of doctors serving in the country.
He says nothing has been done since then. The country produces nearly 40 medical doctors every year, however, most do not find proper employment in the public sector.
