I first wrote about a stand alone PNG National Medical University in November 2014. You can read the post here.

After 2 years, the PNG government has approved its establishment. Read about it here.

The concept has been around for some time and discussed in various meetings within the UPNG SMHS but never went beyond the meeting rooms. The proposal needed a sponsor to spear head its submission navigating the maze and labyrinth of PNG politics.

The National Doctors Association, spear-headed by its President, Dr James Naipao and team took up the challenge.

And now the first meeting has been held and the Department of Higher Education Science and Technology will oversee its establishment.

We are hoping this new university will improve the quality of health worker training in PNG – community health workers to specialist medical officers. It is also hoped that the new establishment will also attract and retain PNG medical graduates to take up academic posts.