Farewelling this trio UPNG MBBS 5 Students
Emmanuel Sogoromo, Robert Waiye, and Rovani Warpilak were the first UPNG MBBS 5 students in a while to arrive in Balimo on 13th February 2023 and finally complete their Rural Block at Balimo Hospital. Over the past seven weeks, they became part of the hospital clinical team and contributed to both hospital-based and outreach health services. Their presence brought renewed energy and valuable learning opportunities for staff, patients, and surrounding health facilities.
Their Rural Block Experience in Balimo
During their placement, the students had the opportunity to visit Awaba, Adiba, and Mapodo Health Sub Centres. These visits allowed them to gain firsthand experience of healthcare delivery in rural and peripheral settings. Their involvement strengthened engagement between the hospital team and the communities served through these facilities.
They were also able to join the SDP Health Program, an initiative of the PNG Sustainable Development Program, on its Aeriel Health Visits. Through this program, their teams visit almost all facilities in Western Province, extending healthcare support to remote communities. SDP Health is based in Balimo, making this a significant part of the students’ rural clinical exposure.
Supervision and Support
It was also a coincidence that Dr Sharon B Campbell arrived a couple of days later for a locum visit to Balimo Hospital. Her presence meant she was able to provide supervision during the length of her stay at the hospital. This added an important layer of guidance and support to the students’ placement experience.
It was a fun-filled and exciting experience for all staff at the hospital and in the peripheral health facilities who had the opportunity of engaging with them, their patients, and guardians.
Looking Ahead
The beginning of this program was ignited after a visit by Dr. David Mills in August 2022. The initiative will continue all year round and is expected to lay the foundation for a possible rural doctor to be based in Balimo. This marks an encouraging step forward for strengthening rural medical training and healthcare services in the region.
As Balimo farewells this trio of UPNG MBBS 5 students, their contribution remains a meaningful milestone for the hospital and its surrounding health facilities. Their time in Balimo reflects the value of rural placements in shaping future doctors while supporting communities with much-needed clinical engagement. Their journey leaves behind both appreciation and hope for what this program can continue to achieve.
