PNG Medical Training Boost as DWU Opens Student Dormitory at ANGAU

Divine Word University has expanded its medical training facilities in Papua New Guinea with the opening of a new student dormitory at ANGAU Memorial Hospital in Lae, providing accommodation for medical students undertaking clinical training.

The facility is expected to improve access to hospital-based learning while supporting efforts to produce more doctors and strengthen healthcare services across PNG. The opening ceremony drew representatives from government, the church, the health sector, development partners and the university community.

 PNG Medical Training Boost as DWU Opens Student Dormitory at ANGAU/Photo supplied

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP John Rosso, Lae City Authority Chief Executive Officer Robin Calistus said the project was an important investment in the future of the country's health workforce.

Mr Calistus said providing secure accommodation for students would help create a stronger foundation for healthcare delivery and allow future doctors to focus on their studies and practical training.

He told students that the support being provided today would shape the quality of healthcare Papua New Guineans receive in years to come and urged them to embrace strong values and dedication in their profession.

DWU Council Chairman Dr Thomas Webster said the project reflected the strength of partnerships between the university, government agencies, development partners and local stakeholders.

He said practical training in a hospital environment was essential for preparing students to meet the realities of healthcare delivery and encouraged future medical professionals to uphold integrity, professionalism and community service.

Dr Webster also acknowledged the support of the Marape-Rosso Government towards higher education, saying continued investment in universities remained vital for national development.

DWU President Professor Fr Philip Gibbs described the dormitory as the realisation of a vision to place medical students closer to their clinical training environment at ANGAU Memorial Hospital.

He noted that the university had already graduated more than 100 doctors and said the expansion would help address the country's shortage of medical practitioners, where one doctor serves between 20,000 and 25,000 people.

Providing details of the development, DWU Vice-President for Planning and Development Julie Ruene said the K1.9 million project was completed within eight months through the support of multiple partners.

She acknowledged funding from the Department of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Morobe Provincial Health Authority, Lae City Authority, the Catholic Diocese and other stakeholders who contributed to the project.

DHERST Executive Manager for Project Implementation Lisa Larry said the facility represented part of the Government's broader investment in education infrastructure and human resource development.

Morobe Provincial Health Authority Director for Curative Services Dr Steven James said increasing patient numbers at ANGAU Memorial Hospital highlighted the need to strengthen medical education and practical training opportunities.

The dormitory was officially blessed by Bishop Rozario Menezes of the Lae Catholic Diocese before the ribbon was cut, allowing the facility to begin operations.

"Students are our future leaders and medical doctors, and the support we give today will shape the care our people receive in the future."

"As future medical practitioners, you are privileged, hence you study and serve well, because our country needs you."