Maru gives K2 million to nursing college

NATIONAL Planning and Monitoring Minister Richard Maru has presented a cheque for K2 million to the Enga College of Nursing to continue its development in infrastructure and education programmes.
Maru, on behalf of the Government, said another K3 million would be given to the college later in the month as a recognition of its efforts to develop the institution into an “outstanding” facility.
The government supported the college with K4 million during its initial re-development after it had been closed for more than 10 years.
Maru was the guest speaker at the second graduation of the college when 34 students received their Diploma in Nursing. Wabag MP Dr Lino Tom and Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas also attended.
Maru said he was “very impressed” with the development taking place at the college.
“I used to know about Sopas back in my high school days because of its ethical approach in producing quality nurses in the country,” he said.
“It takes great leaders to put so much time and effort like what Governor Sir Peter Ipatas is doing for this institution. I’m also happy that Pacific Adventist University is partnering the college to offer degree programmes next year.
“Our health indicators in the country are among the poorest in the world.
“We have a shortage of 2400 nurses in the country. The government needs nurses in the field, it has created the positions and it is up to the Department of Health to ensure these nurses get positions.”
Maru said the collage deserved government funding because it was taking its own initiative through the support of the provincial government to set up the best facilities for nursing training.
“With the funds that the government have given, though you have not submitted the acquittals, I can see the evidence here.”
Maru said the government was focused on quality and not quantity education, and he pledged his support to the college.