ENGA province has witnessed 34 students graduating with a diploma in clinical nursing.

The occassion was the second Enga School of Nursing graduation at Sopas, Wabag.

Among the VIPs to witness the occassion was Minister for Planning and Monitoring, Richard Maru. He was there to officiate in the ground breaking ceremony of a 1×4 laboratory complex, accompanied by Governor for Enga, Sir Peter Ipatas and Wabag MP Dr Tom Lino.

Other important guests present. included the Dean of Health Science Dr Joshua Isaac, Mary Kilino and Thimon Bune from the Human Resource section at National Health Department, Dr Nina Joseph and Peter Pindan from the PNG Nursing Council, Chief Executive Officer of Port Moresby General Hospital, Dr Gupta, Director for Medical Services at Port Moresby General Hospital Dr Polume, principal of Mendi Nursing College Mr David Kundan and the principal of Goroka School of Nursing Mr Saidi Lani.

Mr Maru thanked Sir Peter and Dr Lino who was also the former chief executive officer of Sopas Nursing College and Hospital for reviving the important facility without national government funding.

Mr Maru presented a cheque of K5m to construct a 1×4 laboratory complex and added that he will gazette the hospital and the school for national government funding next year.

This will include wages for the doctors, nurses and the staff of the school administration who are currently under the care of the Enga Provincial Government funding.

‘’I thank you for reviving these two very important facilities for Enga and PNG to benefit. Papua New Guinea’s health indicator is still very low in the Pacific region and we still have a shortfall of 400 nurses in the country. These 34 graduating nurses and next to come will contribute to the effort to solve the problem,” Mr Maru said.

Sir Peter thanked the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Peter O’Neill through Minister Maru.

He said that Enga is taking shape well in terms of development.

‘‘The people of Enga must appreciate this government for the continuous funding support that made Enga fulfil its vision.

The MP for Wabag also thanked the National Government for the support because the hospital and the nursing college have been revived through the leadership at Sir Peter.

The Wabag MP who is a medical doctor further congratulated the 34 graduating students for joining the medical workforce.