Monash Memo - articles - 7 November 2001

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Nursing and pharmacy wins in PNG

Monash International's Offshore Projects and Development Assistance Unit has recently won tenders for two AusAID-funded development projects in Papua New Guinea.

The Monash School of Nursing, in collaboration with Monash International and World Wide Project Management Services, has already provided one program of supported distributed learning to about 40 nurses in Papua New Guinea, which will be completed this year.

Offshore Projects and Development Assistance Unit manager Mr Paul Verwoert said the first program had been extremely successful.

"The program has meant that 40 nurses in Papua New Guinea have now gained bachelors degrees in nursing. A ceremony will be held in Port Moresby in May next year to recognise their achievement," he said.

Due to the success of the first program, a second AusAID-funded program will commence in the first semester of 2002, when about 40 nurses will begin the Bachelor of Nursing (Post Registration) in eight provinces across Papua New Guinea.

School of Nursing staff are currently assessing applicants for the second program and will travel to Papua New Guinea to deliver seminars and workshops.

The second development project will involve the reform of the pharmacy system across Papua New Guinea and will be implemented over six years.

The Victorian College of Pharmacy will support the project managers, ACIL Australia, and will provide training and educational input.

"The project aims to assist PNG to strengthen its pharmaceutical supply and distribution system and will also assist with the implementation of the PNG National Drug Policy," Mr Verwoert said.

"The overall goal of the project is to ensure that all people have access to safe, effective and affordable drugs."