DWU Health Management Department Newsletter

This is a monthly newsletter for Divine Word ’s Health Management Department staff and students VOLUME 1 ISSUE 7 AUGUST 2011

HM Department staff and students celebrate PNG Independence together

Each year, September 16 and farewell the year four marks a very important day students. for Papua New Guineans. “ These 25 young men HOD’s Message Individuals, social networks, and women have just a WELCOME readers, families, clubs, schools and few weeks to go before September is the final month many other groups get to- they move on onto the before the students finish the gether to celebrate this PNG workforce. memorable day as it marks semester. “The have been here for our Independence day. Well this issue is the last news- four years and have learnt letter for the Department this The Health management a lot both in theory and in year. It has been a wonderful Department here in the practice. year for this Department. We DWU main campus took “I wish them all the best time out to celebrate this have achieved so much in this and encourage them to day with a combined staff year alone. To mention all of never forget the good val- and student ‘Independence this achievements in this col- ues they have learnt in meal’ with the presence of umn will not be enough. Health Management and the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Since the students will be going Divine Word University. off for the holidays and work Pascal Michon. The HM Department also The Head of Department, experience, this will be the last said farewell to one of our newsletter for this year until Ms. Margaret Samei said the more influential lecturers next year, 2012. idea to have this celebration Mr. Albert Sika who left In this issue, Mr. Wando and was to remember the day the HM Department ear- Mr. Tabel talk about issues fac- we became a sovereign na- lier this year to join the tion and to not forget that Modilon Hospital as the ing the health care system in we are a free nation of over Director of Corporate Ser- PNG while other HM students 800 language groups guided vices. He talked about his give their views on the Free by one constitution that efforts in strengthening ’ proposal put forward encourages freedom of the status of Modilon as a to Papua New Guineans by the speech, freedom of move- teaching and training hos- current PM. ment, and the right to come pital. He encouraged the to school and be educated The HM1 ladies write about students to work harder among many good things their trip the beach while Ms and do their best to learn that many other countries Kusa writes a touching story on management practices in around the world do not Abortion. I hope you all can the department. have a look through when you have. Mr. Peter Sion who organ- Ms. Samei said that despite have time. ized the event said that he many difficult struggles that My last words are to the year 4 was pleased the students a lot of Papua New Guineans students of 2011. You will be responded well with the face, we could also be leaving your sheltered life here idea. He hoped that this thankful for many things in DWU and now become a event would become a that we often take for member of the PNG workforce. tradition and help the granted. Be brave and be strong and students and academics Above: Pictures showing Staff and She also said that in con- staff feel part of the when you feel down, remember students of the Department all get DWU and the good thing you junction with this day, the DWU community and HM Department also took work towards a com- together for the Independence meal. have learnt…..Cheers! More pictures inside the newsletter. Margareth Samei, HOD time out to acknowledge mon good for PNG. P A G E 2 DWU Community saddened by loss of lives on Airlines PNG plane crash in

The Divine Word Community is greatly saddened by the loss of lives on the Air- lines PNG plane crash in Madang on Oc- tober 13. Among the passengers were the parents, family members and rela- tives who were to attend the Missioning Ceremony of the graduating students on October 14. We are one with the families in their sorrow at this unfortunate inci- dent.

The University Council, staff and stu- dents share this grief with the families and loved ones.

A special Mass and prayers was held by the President, Fr. Jan Czuba, at the St. Picture above shows part of the airplane that crashed. Picture courtesy of Joseph Freinademetz Chapel on October ABC.net.com.au 15 at 8:30 am.

The victims of the plane crash and their Health Management Department have strong relationships with families were especially remembered at five (5) Australian . Four (4) of them have sent their the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist led condolence messages to us which we would like to share with the by His Excellency, Most Rev Archbishop DWU community. Francisco Montecillo Padilla at the Mis- ======sioning Ceremony at the SVD Auditorium Message from Marybeth Sarran of Sunshine Coast University TAFE Qld, Australia on Friday, October 14. Dear Margareth I have just read about the plane crash outside Madang and probable fatalities of families travel- The Missioning Ceremony is a unique ing to DWU for graduation celebrations. DWU tradition wherein each graduating student receives special blessings from This is a terrible tragedy and my thoughts and prayers are with the students and DWU commu- God and the DWU mission cross as the nity. I send my sincerest condolences. graduates leave the University to pursue Marybeth their chosen careers. It is a time of thanksgiving especially organized by the ======Message from Prof Rohan Jayasuriya from UNSW, Sydney NSW, Australia graduating students for their parents,

sponsors and all those who have sup- Hi Francis, Kichawen and Margaret ported them in their studies. I was very saddened by the news of the terrible tragedy at Madang. I hope all your families and friends are safe. This tells us how little control we have of our future and all we can do is the The DWU Community appreciates the best we can to serve during our short life time. support given by many relatives of the best regards students and friends of the University. Rohan ======

Message from Judith Ascroft from Nossal Institute for Global health, University of Melbourne, Australia Dear Friends Staff at the Nossal Institute learned with sorrow about the recent accident in PNG which has touched the Divine Word University community. Our thoughts are with you, the students and families whose lives have been touched by this tragedy. Please be assured of our ongoing commitment to our partnership with the DWU. Sincere condolences Regards Judith ======Message from Rohan Sweeny PHD student Monash University, Melbourne Australia Dear Margreth, I heard about the plane crash near Madang. Reports reaching Melbourne said that parents and relatives of DWU student heading there for MIssioning Ceremony were in the palne crash. Iam very Sorry and pass on my deepest Condolence to grieving students and Staff members. A memorium was set up in front of the DWU best regard chapel where candles and photographs marked the Rohan lives of people who died in the plane crash.

P A G E 3 Wando: ‘Community participation is missing in the delivery of healthcare services in PNG’ By Wattie Wando liver for the rural majority and urban disad- vantaged stated in current National Health Lack of community support and recogni- (PNG) is one of the (NHP) Plan 2011-2020, I think the govern- tion in decision making and planning of countries in the Pacific region that has the ment have to revisit these KADs to recognize health service for some decades has re- best Key Authorities’ Documents (KAD) the importance of community involvement in sulted in reduced awareness and knowledge in terms of health policies, structure of the health services delivery and encourage or of taking ownership and maintaining of delivering health care services and the involve the community in the planning and health programmes and health facilities in strategic plans decision making of allocating scare resources the community resulting in unexpected This documents also tell us how community to deliver better health services according to health outcomes such as high infant and will be involved and become part and parcel the community needs. maternal morbidity and mortality. In imple- of delivering health care services was clearly menting this current NHP 2011- 2020, the outlined in these KADs such as National I am confident and believe that current NHP bottom up planning should be reintroduced Health Plan (NHP) 2011-2010. and National Health Services Standards as a way to mobilize communities to par- However, for the past decades of implement- (NHSS) 2011-2020 will address this unseen ticipate effectively in the health pro- ing health plans, the health status of people issue that hampers the delivery of quality grammes to deliver health outcomes thus in the country is deteriorating from bad to health service for many decades. The health improving their health status and well- worse compare to other smaller pacific coun- is right for every single person in this country being. tries such Fiji and Vanuatu. and 87 percent of people living and scattered One of the issues that the government In most of the KADs, it clearly spells out across the remote parts of the country de- through ministry of health needs to address how the health care services will be executed served to get quality health care services is to educate the implementers on the im- using the community participation but in compare to the people living in the urban portance of these documents and also how most cases, these key authoritive documents centres and this dilemma will be only solved to interpret these key authoritative docu- are not materialized as planned. if government recognized the importance of ments such as newly National Health Plan community and involve them in the planning and the National Health Services Standards As a Health Management student, I see that and decision making of allocating scarce for PNG 2011- 2020 and Hospital and Fi- community participation is very vital in de- health care resources. nancial Management Act so that implemen- livering quality health care services; how- One of the good examples of lack of commu- ters will at least have these foresights to ever, this has been overlooked by the deci- nity participation is the closure of almost 50 interpret these key authoritative documents sion makers in the health sector including percent of government Aid Post throughout and put these plans into their operational National government of PNG. As we all the country. Many people might think of activities to deliver quality health care ser- know, the aim and goal of providing any other major and visible factors like lack of vices with responsibility and accountabil- health care services is to the improve health finance, medical supplies, physical health ity. The implementer’s lack of foresights to status of the people and also make people equipment and human resources etc. How- interpret these key authoritative documents who are in dire need of basic health care ever, lack of recognizing, empowering com- are some of the recurrent and contributing services accessible, affordable and impor- munity participation in health service plan- issues that impede the effective delivery of tantly become a part of the team to deliver ning, decision making in allocating resources quality health care services to the rural ma- health care services to remote parts of coun- to maintain and taking ownership of health jority and the urban disadvantaged people try in order to maintain their health and well- facility is vital unseen contributing factor for in the country. being. However, this is not the case of PNG poor health services delivery and the sustain- Mr. Wattie Wando is final year Health health care system resulting in poor level of ability of health facility or programs in the Management student in 2011 health status compare to other smaller and community level. less resource countries in Pacific region. The poor health status in the country is the result of lack of basic health care services in most remote parts of the country. There are millions of kina invested into the health sec- tor from different funding sources both the government and other donors from abroad but quality of health care services remain unchanged or getting worse compare to the input pumped into the health sector in terms of financial, physical and human resources.

To achieve the goal of strengthening primary The government must recognize the importance of community involvement in the health health care for all and improve service de- services delivery and encourage or involve the community in the planning and decision making of allocating resources to deliver better health services in the community. P A G E 4 What has happened to the PNG Health Services since Independence? By Andrew Tabel that determines the political, economic and health status of our country today. In the pre-independence time, there was a high level of opti- mism about the future of Papua New Guinea, the bureauc- After 36 years of independence, Papua New Guinea has seen a lot racy was effective and resource prospects were flourishing, of development taking place. Currently the country is in its peak and significant gains were made in the health status of the period of its development phase. With the million kina LNG pro- population. Infant mortality fell from 134 to 72 per 1,000 ject and the boom in the mining industry, the international inves- live births, child mortality fell from 91 to 45 per 1,000, and tors flooding in from all directions to invest either to help en- life expectancy increased from 40 years to 50 years. These hance the development of the country or just to have their piece improvements are the direct consequences of effective pro- of share on our natural wealth. As investors coming in, a lot of vision of health services at that time. The successes were development taking places, especially infrastructure develop- attributable partially to the pre-independence organization ment in the urban areas. The airports in major towns and cities and administration of health services, which was centralized are expanded, new buildings are erected, state of the heart shop- with highly defined vertical public health programs. Well ping centers are built and not to mention so many more espe- coordinated programs were designed and implemented with cially in the major towns and cities in the country. All these de- emphasis on the district level. Districts, health centers and velopment are taking place with the assistance from the govern- hospitals became the focal points of service delivery and ment as they see it as one of the way to earn revenue for the provincial hospitals provided technical and logistical sup- country and to further improve the development of the country. port whenever required. Having international investors and supporting business develop- ment in the country is good for the health of our economy. While After the independence up until now the effectiveness of the government concentrated on economy stability of the coun- Papua New Guinea as an independent state has been ques- try and pumping millions into economic activities, it lost focus on tioned and successive governments criticized for misman- the health and wellbeing of its people. This is evident in the cur- agement. The economic climate continues to be extremely rent health status of the country. According to PNG Demographic fragile, law and order problems remain high on the agenda, Health Survey (2006), infant mortality is 57 per 1000 live births corruption is a major problem throughout the country and while under 5 mortality rates at 75 per 1000 live births. The high the capacity of the bureaucracy to deliver basic government prevalence of morbidity and mortality from curable and prevent- services continues to slowly decline. It is indeed sad to say able diseases such as malaria and pneumonia has reported that, but it is the fact that all these happen after PNG gain its shocking statistics. The district health centers, sub health centers independence. Does this mean that we were wrong to gain and health posts that were built in pre independence are all run independence too early? A yes for an answer would not be down but still used today. Clearly, the health status of the coun- right. As I believe that whether or not we gained independ- try is reversing and the standard of health services that are pro- ence too early or not, it is how our leaders who manage our vided today is not like it used to be during pre independence country before and after independence and their decisions period.

Even though the amount of funds that are allocated for improv- ing health services today are far more greater than the amount that used to be allocated for health services in the past, there is still no improvement in the health indicators. In addition to funding, there are well documented strategic plans and policies in place to guide and ensure effective delivery of health services but the health indicators still remain unimproved. Where has all the money been spent on? Are the funds allocated according to the priorities and in line with the strategic plans and policies? If yes, why is there no improvement in the health indictors? If the health services before independence could be effectively deliv- ered with positive improvement based on budget that is far less than current funding allocations for health services, I don’t see any reasons as to why current health care system should be fal- ling apart as it is today. Increase in population won’t be an ex- cuse as six million populations is not much compared to the re- It is a shame when Papua New Guineas have to travel to Aus- source boom in our economy today. What then is it that hinders tralia to get basic medical services such as those in the West- effective delivery of health services? Whatever the underlying ern Province. Continued to page 5 P A G E 5

propriation of funds in millions of kina, degradation My name is Grace Magi and I am a 2nd year Health Manage- of health facilities, shortage of medical consumables ment student. I am already half way into the completion of like drugs etc… are ongoing diseases in the Health this course and I have found that this course along with all Sector. We should not be ignorant or try to over look its units’ are fascinating and a very well set foundation of these things or wait for someone to come and fix knowledge on the management of Health. them. If it means we clean up our father’s mess, we go I have come to realize that what I am learning has a broader context outside the blanket of ‘HEALTH’ to expand on. For ahead and do so and pick up from there. LET US example, I can also expand further on Management Skills TAKE PNG HEALTH STATUS INTO ANOTHER like Human Resource Management, for instance. As a whole DIMENSION!! it is about MANAGING the resources of an organization. That is all from me. Take care all of you and hope to Growing up, I have encountered many health related issues see you all next year, 2012. personally and non-personal. My past experiences in life have become my motivating factor to study this course and to make a change in the top Managerial position of the Health Sector in PNG. Health is not a problem in our coun- try but the problem is who controls and manages the Health facilities and resources? How are the resources being man- aged and planned annually? The lack of proper and sound financial management of resources has made Health to be seen as a major problem.

As a young educated, intelligent and God fearing female elite I would like to invest into the growth of strengthening of our Health Care System after I graduate with a degree of Bachelor in Health Management.

I love this course! I would personally encourage my fellow colleagues to take this course seriously and think critically when taking into consideration the health related issues that Grace Magi (centre) is flanked by here classmates Michael are currently happening in our country. Issues like miss ap- Barime (right) and Belinda Wagame (left) who are all standing in front the Friendship Library waiting for their next class.

Continued from previous page 4 causes of these hindrances are, there are certain areas that need immediate interventions in order to restore the current deterio- rating health status of the population. There are three areas of concern, in my opinion, that need immediate intervention measures and improvement for a better and effective health service delivery. The first strategy would be to train and empower all public health personals to broaden their knowledge and understanding on national health policies, plans and acts such as National Health Plan 2011-2020, National Health Administration Act 1997 and Public Hospital Act 1994. Secondly, introduce effective human resource development plan such as a graduate development programs and recruitment of high qualified and skilled human resource and to ensure attractive staff’s re- muneration and incentives such as staff housing and resourceful health facilities in all rural areas in the country to attract health workers. The final thing here is that the government of the day must engage an external auditing company to audit allocation of funds into health programs and to report without fear or favor to maintain transparency and accountability and to enable appro- priate allocation of funding on health programs based on the health priority programs. Health is a human right according to the constitution and therefore, must be made accessible by relevant authorities to the general public at all costs with prudent management, accountability and transparency. Failure to do so will result in relevant authorities and entity liable for depriving the rights of the public to access basic health services and bridging the constitution for not providing health services to the public.

The author, Mr. Andrew Gynigah Tabel is a final year Health Management student this year 2011. P A G E 6 The O’Neil Government promises ‘Free Education’. What do you say? Do you care? Do you believe it?

In 2002, just before the national election, Sir Mekere Morauta, then the PM, promised free education if his government was voted in. Under his plan, he proposed K150 million to be allocated toward the Education Fees for 2002 policy. To prove his point, he gave K2 million to schools in NCD. He did not get re-elected. Fast forward to 2011 and next year is the election year. The current PM, Peter O’Neil, has vowed he’ll look for the K700 million re- quired to provide free education from elementary to grade 10. The Papua New Guinea Government is to bring down a supplementary budget of more than K600 million (US$269 million) this month to make sure this plan is making progress. The HM newsletter asked Health Management students about their views the use of ‘Free Education’ and here is what they had to say. Due the huge number of HM students who wanted to air their views, only a few were randomly selected to appear here.

Mr. Joseph Angli of HM2 says: I see this system of "free education" as a political strategy to get the politicians concerned into the next term of the parliament. This can be easily be noticed by the talk for free education which only pop out of the politicians' lips when it is around election time and not other times. I think the system of education is good because they fulfill their role as the politician representing the people. But the power to be re-elected rests on the people. If a politician is unsuccessful in the next year's election why not try something else, like free access to all health services.

Ms. Rayleen Wali of HM1 says: The concept of Free Education by PM, Peter O'Neil is to maintain his seat as the Prime Minister in the coming elec- tion. Making promises is a tradition in PNG where all politicians and MPs are used to it when it comes to election time. It won't be a surprise if the promise made is not true because people are used to the many promises of the MPs and politicians. However it may be true but I think not all Papua New Gui- neans will benefit from it. It will only serve the interest of few. If free Education is introduced, the people especially the parents will be lazy to provide for their own children. They will see it as an opportunity for them to misuse their earnings in other areas (e.g. Bride Price). I think if he al- Papua New Guinea children in School. Picture by UNESCO lows free education for elementary and primary and 50% payment of secon- dary and tertiary students, than it will be okay. This is because parents will have some sense of responsibility over their own children too ate the current policy today. Please critically consider this, other wise do not waste your time to sit down and accept the miracles to happen. The Mr. Benjamin Wusik of HM1 says: Most politicians are used to convincing concept of free education itself is just the motivating factors to generate or persuade people to maintain their seat. I do not believe whether there will the politicians powers to contest for upcoming National Election. be free education next year. However, it seems to be PNG politicians tradition because in the past many politicians promise to bring service when election Mr. Dwayne Peter of HM1 says: In organizational politics, it is basi- come closer and sometimes when they win they bring nothing. cally about Power and Influence. Since the O'Neil government has come They always repeat the same saying during election. But as for the coming into power, from my point of view, they have been trying to influence election most Papua New Guineans know that attitude of our politicians and I the people of this country by any means necessary. Self image is an im- think they will not be confused as to who to vote. From my community in portant part of politics, it's about making yourself look good. I believe Jiwaka when it governed under WHP government, former Governor that is basically what the O'Neil government has been doing. In terms of Pais Wingti promised to bring power and seal the road to my village but he free education and all other policies, they all will never see the light of did nothing when he won the 2002 National election. Therefore it must be the day. For example the public sector reform has been a problem since Prime minister Peter O’Neil technique to maintain his government or independence, that has been the root cause for all policy failures and seat who knows. implementation. We have a simple technical problem in the government The Introduction of Free Education by Prime Minister Peter O’Neil is both system. The system doesn't work. For now I think the politicians should good and bad. It is good because most Papua New Guineans are unemployed be realists, until there's progress in the public sector reform policies eve- and their children can benefit from it. As the government carry the burden of rything would work, so no matter how much we decentralize we will their parents by paying the school fees. On the other hand it is also bad be- never get anywhere. So coming back to point it is definitely a national cause most students will become lazy and cannot study well. That will result election strategy, but free education will never work because of public in poor knowledge and skills for the students. Also it will affect the develop- reform failures since 1975. ment of the country due to lack of skilled human resource for effective eco- nomic health and other developments in the country. Ms. Rhoda Ipia of HM4 says: If free education needs to be provided for a meaningful purpose for the Mr. Haggai Goma of HM1 says: Introducing the free education policy by country, why not implement it as a policy annually for the betterment of Peter O'Neil Government is a very surprising move proposed to all citizens. the country...?Otherwise, its a shame to use education as a target to gain But if a blind person leads another blind person, I think both will not be safe. votes and later on forgotten so I for one do not support the free education In the same context, it is where people are deceived by the political flavors concept.. and gain interest from them and at a same time make them to become richer than us. Bottom line is: If you ever study the history of free education policy since 2002, I think you will be in a better position to judge and evalu- Continued to page 7 P A G E 7 Debate continues on Free Education

HM1 Shadrick Lanito says: Hi ladies and gentlemen, as this topic had made people to talk alot on the new government. There is noth- ing good for us to criticise the O’Neil & Namah government. The only thing we should do is to discuss whether this free education policy is good or bad for our nation. As many leaders had done it before, like Mekere Morauta had promised. It is their job, they play their part to win the voters heart. But how do You know that Oneil & Namah government free education policy promised is a way to over come their seat? You dont have to predict the future because u wont know. Maybe, the ONeil & Namah government may have mean business or who knows. Instead I think the free educa- tion system is a good adjustment for the people of PNG, but must come up with its rules and regulation to govern the policy imple- mentation. That is my point to why free education is a better deci- sion for the people.

HM2 Victoria Aitsi says: PNG is a developing nation, and most parents who are employed get loans to pay for school fees and then sweat the whole year to repay the loans. The current Government not make it themselves, it will have to come from the people them- having proposed Free Education for elementary students up to gr10 selves, it means people empowerment, curbing law and order issues is like a relief to most parents or guardians who are struggling to supported by a stable and transparent government with prudent poli- pay school fees. However on the other hand if the government is cies and an uninterrupted economic growth. using this free education concept in order to gain the support of the public to maintain their seat in the parliament as the government, Noel Bakanau of HM1 says Free Education is not really free Edu- this is UNJUST. Since this is a democratic country under the West- cation why?it is paying school fees and not project fees which is an minister system, we the people of this nation should be given the additional fee put in place by thoroughly all the schools nowadays freedom to elect MPs through their leadership qualities and hon- in Papua New Guinea. The O'Neil Namah Government is proving a esty. Education is not the only issue in PNG, Health and proper point here regarding their leadership but Free Education is the oldest infrastructures within the country still needs to be improved. There- trick in the book so who knows if they might come back into power. fore the concept of Free Education, I see, is being abused for politi- However education is also a fundamental aspect of PNG so in one cal powers. way or the other just improve the education curriculum than subsi-

dize the school fee. Wellington Panta of HM4 says: Free education in PNG! Why

Not? According to Finance and Treasury Minister Don Polye; Winsome Nenewa of HM4 says: "Free Education" it is always Papua New Guinea has recorded eight years of consecutive eco- used as a election strategy by politicians to gain support This strat- nomic growth, representing the longest period of uninterrupted egy is a null strategy because it is not logic to support the 6 million growth in the country’s history (Source Post Courier, 3rd October or the 1/2 the PNG population which is the children & youths to 2011). If this is so we can improve the social welfare of our people provide free education. Imagine those who never attended school such as education and health. But less would be desired if these before or left school because of no school fee and because of free economic gains are not transformed into sustainable and positive education, they enroll and the following year no free education, outcomes. Human resource is known as prime movers of other as- what happens?? Go home stap long haus! Please PM stop putting sets. If humans do not exist, how can machines be made nor can it the people's hope high and there it fails again. On the other move. If machines are to be moved then human resource MUST hand, how will schools support students with text books, exercise also be thought how to move it, this can only be done through edu- books pens & pencils (stationary), classrooms and all the expense cation none other. In a developing country such as PNG most infra- you can name to provide better education for the pupils. Do this structures are deteriorating and free education is just a component politician have a strategic plan that includes all this expenses or just of that vision and a step forward of having an educated population. for the sake of getting into the BIG HAUS!!! And where will Mr. Nowadays tertiary institutions can not cater for increased demand PM get that K700 million from? I don't think the other departments in student enrollments. We live an interdependent life; for example will be willing to half their budget?!?! I totally think that free educa- you can not go to work if you a sick so you will have to visit a hos- tion is wasting money, if Sir. Mekere has failed his plan when he pital. In other words all sectors in our society influence how one was PM, why not Member of Parliament learn from this mistake sector operates because we live on an interdependent society. It and think of a better strategy... must also be understood that school aged children and youths in our I surely I too understand that in relation to improve one's health is country are trapped in hopelessness, because of drop out, unem- to educate a person but that's not logical if my old grandma at home ployment, drug and alcohol abuse, law and order issues to name who has never attended any formal education but can keep herself just a few. Our investment will also have to be diverted to this areas clean and healthy... whets the point! It is our attitude needs to be to see improvement in education, this are external factors that con- changed, so if free education cannot improve other sectors its a tribute to education. It is a mammoth task and the government will waste... because all sectors are dependent on each other. I bet it would not improve our economic as well...Cheers! P A G E 8 Senior Health Management lecturer to begin PhD studies in Australia next year Mr. Tabian Ambang, a senior lecturer in The HOD and other staff wish Mr. Am- the Health Management Department will bang and his family a safe trip and all be departing DWU later this year to take the best in Mr. Ambang’s study in Aus- up a four year Doctor of Philosophy (Phd) tralia. studies in Australia. Mr. Ambang joined DWU in 2007 and The Head of the Health Management De- has been here since then. Before that partment, Ms. Margareth Samei acknowl- was the District Environmental Health edge the efforts of Mr. Ambang in training Officer with the Western Provincial HM students. Administration for three years and ear- “I want to say a word of appreciation and a lier than that in the 1990s, he worked very big thankyou for your time, extra with the Environmental Health Office hours, excellent effort and great support to in Gulf province. He currently holds a the Health Management Department and Master of Commerce Degree form students over the years that you have been Otago University in New Zealand and a Mr. Ambang sharing a meal with students and here. Your contributions to academia have Master of Administrative Leadership in helped shaped the department and brought other staff during the Independence celebra- Health Administration from the Univer- tion on September 16th this year. quality to the efforts of the Department. sity of New England in Australia. “Though you will be going away for some- He currently teaches the HM second Management. Apart from teaching the HM time, you are still a part of the Health Man- year class on Organizational Behaviour department, he also teaches units in the Faculty agement Community here in DWU. and the third years on Resource Man- of Business and Information System and Fac- agement and the fourth years on Quality ulty of Flexible Learning. Learning Health Management - a student’s perspective Name: Belinda Wagame, Year 2 I wasn't interested in attending DWU but the idea of saving lives of fellow Papua New Guineans convinced me to take health management. Before I came here I thought that HM was just a course about clinical stuff but then after coming here and taking the units I found that it was about administration of health facilities and health services in Papua New Guinea. The business components of the course such as Accounting Fundamentals, Management principles , Organizational Behavior, Human Re- source Management and Business Writing gave me a strong background in Management. Because of the fact that the health system of PNG is deteriorating and there is a lot of corruption in the government system, Iam convinced to pursue higher educa- tion in Health Management especially post graduate studies so I can be in a better position to help the PNG Health care system Name: Rhoda Ipia, Year 4 Even though most of my family members have taken up health related courses such as Nursing and Rural Health Extension Officers, I decided to take up something in health also because of my concern for the people in the Southern Highlands. I feel that after taking this course for the past three years I know that Iam in a better position to make good judgments about health service delivery in my province. By taking HM, I have a fair idea on the right thing to do and what approaches I can help my people in Southern Highlands as their health status is low and few people don’t consider health as important to them because of literacy, beliefs and attitudes towards sorcery and other hindrance to wards health. It’s a good course because it has helped me a lot in Health care system like the structure of the PNG health cares system, critical thinking, professional eth- ics, project management to develop and manage projects, working with the media, cost accounting, management principles Name: Luke Dabre Year 1 I really wanted to take Economics at UPNG but every time I went home I saw that people who were in charge of running health services in the district were not doing it properly and were misusing funds and resources and this resulted in many unnecessary death. This prompted me to take up Health Management which I believe that it will provide me skills and knowledge to go back home and help improve the health services. Since I have taken up this course at the beginning of this year, I have really enjoyed it. Units such as Health Care System, Christian Ethics, Accounting Fundamentals, Managing Prin- ciples have given me a strong background towards the management of health. I encourage anyone who is interested in the management of health to come and take this course next year Name: John Demok Year 3 I completed a Diploma in Health Administration at DWU in 2001. I joined the Lutheran Health Services and worked as the Hospital Administrator at Lutheran run Gaubin Rural Hospital in Sumkar District in Madang and also later as the Project Co- ordinator for Lutheran Health Services in Menyamya District in Morobe province. After 10 years of working in the field, I decided to come back to complete my Bachelor in Health Management. The reason being that the Lutheran Health Service as an organization is changing to meet the needs of the community and requires people who have current knowledge on things like Resource Management, Health Policy, Financial Management, Health Economics are units in the Bachelor program that will help me and the organization I represent. I know that once I complete the program next year, I will be fully equipped to go back to Lutheran Health Service and implement, along with my colleagues, the Lutheran Health Service Vision 2020. P A G E 9 Independence Celebrations 2011 P A G E 1 0

I’m just a baby Girls day out at the Beach

HM3 student Ms. Cynthia Kusa writes a poem on the topic By Tait Punumping of ‘Abortion’ titled: I’m just a baby After seven weeks of studying and attending classes, Divine Word University had its’ study break from the The special little angel that God has promised to let me be th th To be in a special room he has promised 15 to 19 of August. Most of the students went home The room he has promised, while others took this time as an opportunity to relax Will give me shelter, warmth, affection and love and spend time with friends. There is nothing more precious than tiny little feet The HM 1 girls were no exception to that. To start off Making the pitter patter sounds and make your life complete the study break we decided to go for a picnic at the Ma-

Why those eyes so hateful, why is grandma being so mean sin Gun Beach. All necessary gears were gathered after Why is mummy being so mean the last class of that day. With assistance from one of What have I done to make them ignore my desperate screams the girl’s parents Dear Lord, I'm just a baby, please make her understand She's not supposed to kill me or leave me in this can we were able to bring along lunch Oh God, I thought you told me that she would love me so That she would love me always and rock me to and fro packs and drinks with us for our You said that she would kiss me and hold me when cry lunch. The heat of But dear Lord she is leaving me and hoping that I die I am too small to crawl right now and much too small to walk the scorching sun Oh Lord please won't you tell her for I can't even talk was upon us as we

I promise I'll be happy, I promise I won't cry walked toward Ma- Oh please, dear Lord, please tell her, I'll really, really try sin Gun family beach. Along the way we took some shots to keep as To be the perfect baby I'll do my very best I'll sleep, I promise, soundly and even let her rest memory of the one day out of I promise I'll be happy, I promise I won't cry campus as a class. Oh please, dear Lord, please tell her, I'll really, really try After so much fun To be the perfect baby I'll do my very best and games at the I'll sleep, I promise, soundly and even let her rest beach we walked If only she could hear my thoughts, I promise not to nag back to the cam- Please someone won't you help me, she's putting me in this bag pus, all tired.

Maybe someone will find me before the break of dawn And care for me and love me before my life is gone

Papua New Guinean children enjoying life in the sun and sea. Picture taken from http://resources3.news.com.au P A G E 1 1 A student makes a comparison of the HIV/AIDS situation in both Pogera and Kairuku-Hiri

By Maryanne Idawa aukina, there might be al- ready some infected people After watching the film ‘ Mist in the Mountains’ which was but we haven’t seen or heard film produced by National Catholic Family Life & Melanesian of people dying or lying in Institute about HIV/AIDS in the mining township of Pogera, I bed because of the disease. have made a brief comparison of some of the situations I have The difference is because observed in my district and that of Pogera. Pogera is a mining township Mist in the Mountains follows the destiny of several people in where people get themselves Porgera: Rex a young man who died of AIDS, Amie, a young involved in all sorts of ac- woman who has been rejected by her family and who supports tivities whereas Inaukina is a herself and her son by panning gold in an isolated spot in the hills, remote village and people and Katherina who has taken an abandoned HIV positive child and get themselves involved in is caring for the child along with her own children. unhealthy activities not that often. Inaukina people do In Papua New Guinea (PNG) today, many people are sick and not get themselves tested Sr Zelia Cordeiro shooting "Mist in the dying from diseases that can be prevented and are treatable which and too, our Voluntary Mountains’ film. Picture by World Catho- result in much loss, suffering and grief. There are social and cul- Counselling and Test lic Association for Communication tural disorders in every setting in PNG that is affecting people of (VCT) center is not nearby all ages directly or indirectly. The activities that cause disorders where people can access it to get themselves tested. include drug abuse, violence against women, rape, just to name a People are ignorant of the usage of condoms in both my place and Pogera few. This short story will compare and contrast what was seen in and this is a major problem that would lead to the spread of the deadly dis- the film and my village which is Inaukina in the Kairuku-Hiri Dis- ease but the difference is that, in Inaukina, because of the distance to travel trict in Central Province. from the aid post to the village and shortage of health workers, not much Inaukina is a rural area in North Mekeo where there are no basic awareness is done on the disease whereas in Pogera, there are organizations services like schools and aid posts so students and patients have to that are taking the initiative to do awareness and help the people fight the walk for two to three hours to reach the services at Akufa which is disease. There is also a VCT centre where people go to get themselves the only nearby village where they can access the services, for this tested . One of the factors that lead to the spread of HIV/AIDS is porno- reason, most students don’t go for school and sometimes, patients graphic movies and magazines where in Pogera, people have access and use die while traveling to reach the aid post. this materials while in Inaukina, only few people who move in and out of Firstly, the usage of alcohol and drug abuse, activities of gambling Port Moresby frequently have access to it but they don’t bring the CDs to the and partying in the documentary at Pogera are similar activities village because there is no electricity supply there. that are going on at Inaukina, however, the difference is that, peo- ple at Pogera earn their income to engage in such activities from In conclusion, the activities of drug abuse, alcohol consumption, gambling, everyday marketing, extracting of gold and earning income from watching pornographic materials and partying in one way or the other leads working at the gold mining and other stores or offices since it is a to the spread of HIV/AIDS by people going out of control because when mining site and most of them are also educated, whereas at In- people are engaged in such activities, they do things without thinking. There aukina, people earn their income from selling betelnut and mustard is a big difference between the two places because Inaukina is a rural area at Port Moresby which takes a whole day for them to travel from while Pogera is a mining site and even though it might seem rural, it is a their village and almost three-quarters of the people are illiterate mining township where there are proper health services around. The prob- because of the problem stated earlier and they survive on garden lems and challenges mentioned above can be prevented by getting the people food. involved in healthy activities such as playing sports, implementing projects Some differences in the activities of gambling and partying is that, in the villages and church activities to keep them busy. The most effective in Inaukina, men only go gambling and drinking because our cul- thing to do to minimize this problem in both Inaukina and Pogera is combat- ture don’t allow women to engage in this activities while at Pogera ing the literacy problem. When we educate people to read and write, we in the documentary showed women also taking part in these activi- build their capacity and empower them to overcome the challenges they ties. The activity of partying in Inaukina takes place only during face. Education is the way because through reading and writing, people can celebrations and feasting times whereas at Pogera, it is an ongoing solve problems that may come their way. Health services should also be activity because of the cash flow from the mining industry. accessible and awareness done regularly. In addition, the disease of HIV/AIDS in Pogera is a major problem where people are dying and showing signs and symptoms and plac- Maryanne Idawa is a first year Health Management student this ing the burden of taking care of the infected people and their sib- year 2011 and this short critique was taken from essay in the lings on the relatives, especially the grand mothers while in In- HM102 Critical thinking class. Note from the Editor Caption describing picture or If you have any ideas, issues or comments concerninggraphic. the e-newsletter, please do not hesitate to contact the editor, Mr. Kingston Namun at the Health Sciences Tower, DWU campus in Madang town. We welcome any suggestions to improve news quality, distribution or content of our newsletter. Here are our contact details: Email: [email protected] Ph: 424 1887. See you all in the next issue. This newsletter is endorsed by the Head Of Department for Health Management and the Dean of the Faculty of Health Science before its publication.