Health workforce shortages are critically limiting the ability of health services to reach those in dire need, says the executive dean of University of Papua New Guinea’s school of medicine and health sciences, Professor Nakapi Tefuaranu.
He said yesterday there was not enough manpower and infrastructure to train and cater for more specialist doctors. "We do not have the manpower to increase the number of medical students, particularly dental, pharmacy, medical laboratory and nursing students," Prof Tefuaranu said. "It’s better to have a qualified environment because it makes management much easier." He said the medical school wanted to train doctors but there was no proper infrastructure to cater for doctors. "We cannot increase the number at this point in time, unless we increase our manpower. "Shortage of nurses is a big issue. We are running the hospital with less than the required numbers because we are not training enough nurses while the older ones are retiring," he said. Prof Tefuaranu is calling on the Government to increase the workforce as a matter of urgency. "We have had several conferences on workforce, however, we are yet to see it implemented. "If millions of money is spent on building sporting facilities for the upcoming Pacific Games, why can’t the Government do the same for health facilities and increase the workforce for the betterment of health care services for the people." Specialist Dr Isi Kevau also said the school usually took in 60 students every year for doctors training but this figure has gone down to 45 a year. The Government has already taken a number of steps to address these challenges, including the recruitment of doctors and nurses and the rehabilitation of training schools.
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