New infrastructure launched at the Enga College of Nursing will help to train more nurses and serve the health needs of the people of Papua New Guinea.
Australia and the Enga Provincial Government have worked in partnership to co-finance the development of this new infrastructure.
Australia provided PGK4.8 million for the construction of a new female student dormitory, kitchen and dining hall, while the Enga Provincial Government provided PGK2.2 million for the construction of a new male student dormitory.
The new dormitories will accommodate 42 students each, with the kitchen and dining hall able to accommodate up to 140 people.
Australian High Commissioner, Mr Bruce Davis and Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas officially opened the new infrastructure.
“A major element of this support is to help Papua New Guinea to increase the number and quality of health professionals across the country. The nurses that graduate from the Enga College of Nursing will attend to mothers during childbirth, administer immunisations to children, and attend to sick women and men,” Mr Davis said.
This new infrastructure at Enga College of Nursing complements Australia’s current Australia Awards Pacific Scholarships Program, enabling over 1,500 students to undertake studies in midwifery, nursing and community health work at Papua New Guinea health training institutions since 2012.
Enga College of Nursing currently has 34 nursing students studying under an Australia Awards Pacific Scholarship.