The Enga School of Nursing held its first graduation ceremony on Wednesday in Wabag after 10 years of forced closure.
There were 13 women nurses that graduated with a Diploma in General Nursing, and were offered their nursing registry licenses.
Health Secretary, Pascoe Kase and PNG Nursing Council Registrar, Dr Nina Joseph, officiated at the ceremony.
The Graduation marks a historical hallmark for Enga School of Nursing, after years of closure, due to tribal warfare.
On October 28th, 2014, Sopas Nursing College was re-branded as the Enga School of Nursing, and for the first time, enrolled 45 students.
However, Pioneer Principal, Noelyn Koutalo, said due to the school’s curriculum standard, a lot of students dropped out, leaving 13 female students to complete the three year General Nursing program.
The curriculum and the program offered at the Enga School of Nursing are sanctioned by the Department Of Health.
However, Secretary Kase warned the college to uphold its integrity, and not to compromise patients’ safety.
Kase told the grandaunts that there are many positions for nurses available in the Country, and he guaranteed them that they will find a job soon.
Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas encouraged parents to send their children to institutions in Enga Province, rather than wasting money to send them to other schools in the Country.
Sir Peter said Enga people should take pride in the institutions in the Province, and build them.
Sir Peter has great vision to make Enga the Education hub for PNG.
The Graduation was an impact project of Wabag Open MP, Dr Lino Tom, when he was a surgical doctor at Sopas hospital, before he contested for the 2017 election.
Dr Lino wrote to seek funding to rebuild the then Sopas Nursing College.
Enga Governor then stepped in and funded over K18 Million to date under the Provincial Improvement Program Fund and rebuilt the college.
Dr Lino challenged the 13 nurses to treat patients with care as if they are treating their own family members. The college has embarked on a new program by affiliating with Pacific Adventist University.
Enga Nursing College students will take up Bachelor in Nursing at PAU after completing their 3-year Diploma Courses.
PAU will also manage the Nursing College.
