The Evangelical Church of Papua New Guinea Health Service in Balimo, in partnership with Sustainable Development Program (SDP), has taken an important step toward strengthening healthcare training in Western Province. Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), nursing students from the Balimo School of Nursing will now be able to undertake practicum placements at ECPNG health facilities across the South Fly and Delta Fly Districts.
This partnership reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, better-prepared health workforce by expanding access to quality nursing education and hands-on clinical experience. By working together, ECPNG and SDP are helping equip future nurses with the practical skills needed to serve communities effectively and compassionately.
A milestone for nursing education in Western Province
The practicum placement arrangement marks a significant milestone for the Balimo School of Nursing, which was officially opened recently as part of SDP’s K52 million investment in tertiary education pathways. This investment is aimed at addressing the shortage of health workers in Western Province.
The college currently has 32 first-year students pursuing a Bachelor of General Nursing. It is also the first institution in Western Province accredited by DHERST to offer degree programs in both Primary Teaching and General Nursing.
Creating real-world learning opportunities
Through this MoU, nursing students will gain valuable real-world experience by undertaking practicums in ECPNG health facilities. These placements will help bridge classroom learning and clinical practice, preparing students for the realities of healthcare delivery in rural and remote settings.
Providing students with supervised practical experience is essential for developing confidence, competence, and professional readiness. It also strengthens the long-term capacity of the province’s health system by preparing graduates who are already familiar with local health needs and service environments.
Working together for a stronger health workforce
This collaboration highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in improving healthcare education and workforce development. By supporting student training today, ECPNG and SDP are investing in the future of healthcare services for the people of Western Province and beyond.
ECPNG Health Services acknowledges and values its partnership with SDP in making this opportunity possible for the next generation of nurses.