Improving health management is next for Desmond

By LIBERT SANGUNDI
NOW that he has made his family proud by reaching the apex of his education journey, a Bachelor in Health Management degree, Desmond Sam’s next mission is to use what he has learnt to improve health services, especially in his East Sepik province and Angoram district.
“Most of the health centers, aid posts and hospitals in the country lack good management to deliver effective health services to the people. Proper management of medical institutions is important to meet the needs of the growing population as regards medical services.”
Desmond, 27, from Moim village in Angoram, East Sepik is the third eldest in a family of four. Both their parents are from Moim.
He started his education at the St. Mary’s Primary School in Wewak, completing Grade Eight in 2014, then progressing to grades nine and 10 at the Bishop Leo Secondary School in Wewak in 2015 and 2016, then to Passam National High School for grades 11 and 12 in 2017 and 2018.
In 2019, he was selected to study health management at the Divine Word University for five years. He completed the course last year and graduated this year.

“ Most of the health centers, aid posts and hospitals in the country lack good management to deliver effective health services to the people. Proper management of medical institutions is important to meet the need of the growing population as regards medical services.”

Desmond thanks his family, especially his dad, and relatives for supporting him in his education.
“I would not have come this far without my father who is just a subsistence farmer but spent his time raising funds for my school fees. It motivated me to do well and make the family proud.”
He made sure to perform to his best academically to maintain his Higher Education Contribution Assistance Scheme during the five years.
“I am grateful for being part of the government scholarship. It helped my parents to pay what they could afford as they are just subsistence farmers.”
One of the saddest periods of his life was when his mother passed away when he was in Grade 11 in Wewak.
“It’s the saddest thing to lose someone we treasure most in life. My mother was my hero who always encouraged me to concentrate on my education. Before she died, she told me not to worry about her, but about myself, as I have future to live. Focus on that, she told me.
When asked during his first-year orientation at DWU why he was choosing the health management programme, Desmond said “because health and education are the key pillars of the government to improve the quality of life in a family”.
Desmond get inspirations from his relatives many of whom are educated and are serving in various organisations and government departments.
One aspect of his life he always prioritises is his faith and trust in God. He advises students aiming to achieve their dreams is to trust and and study hard.
“Always put God first. Never forget that. He will direct you onto the right part to achieve your dreams. You will face difficulties but with God’s help, you will overcome them and be successful.”
On his future, Desmond wants to use his degree to improve health services in his Angoram district.
“I would love to serve in my province, if given the opportunity, especially in my district Angoram, and contribute to the health sector there. Our hospitals need proper management to function effectively to serve the people. Government has been allocating funding and we just need to plan properly and use the funding wisely.”