Nurses in Southern Highlands are pleased after a K2 million nurses accommodation funded by the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (PNGNA) was launched on Tuesday.Only 12 nurses and their families will occupy the 12 units.
The nurses were confident that in future, their accommodation problem would be addressed and this was the start.
PNGNA acting national-vice president Frederick Kebai said the nurses’ accommodation were funded through a submission made to the Somare-Temu Government in 2006.
He said the then Health Minister Sir Peter Barter pushed for it on behalf of PNGNA.
A funding of K15 million was allocated but there was a change of Government resulting in the delay of funds until 2012 when the funds were finally released.
Kebai said PNGNA national president Late Eimi Kapitgau spearheaded the K15 million projects and the rollout included;
Gerehu Stage 3B – K4 million through a Memorandum of Agreement, 17 houses were constructed while the balance is still active through the existing agreement;
Alotau – K2 million, the project is very slow and is yet to be completed, they were the first province to receive funding;
Kimbe – K2 million, the project was completed with units currently occupied by members;
Mt Hagen – K2 million, PNGNA is yet to be advised of the current status of the project; and,
Mendi – K2 million, project has now been completed and is ready with 12 units to house the members.
“This housing rollout by the PNGNA executive decision will continue until we ensure 90 per cent of our members are accommodated in a quality, secure and modern homes,” Kebai said
“I reaffirm the PNGNA’s position that if our members feel secure about their wellbeing and that of their families, they will provide the best level of service to our health care.”
Southern Highlands Provincial Health Authority chief executive officer Dr Joseph Birisi thanked PNGNA for their confidence in the former Mendi General Hospital board and giving the pilot project.
Birisi named the nurses accommodation area as ‘Sr Wesi Kerak Compound’ after the first nurse in the province and had worked for 52 years. She is still active and continues her duty today. The National
Tags:
News