Prime Minster Hon. James Marape has called on all public servants in Papua New Guinea to rise up and work with more determination and focus to support the country’s development as part of the changes taking place after 50 years of independence.
The Prime Minister made the impassioned plea to all government workers in the country to rise up in their respective fields of duty and contribute effectively to nation-building, while utilising the resources at hand to the best of their ability.
In his keynote speech during the official opening of a multi-purpose hall for the University of PNG School of Medicine and Health Sciences at the 3 Mile Port Moresby campus, Prime Minister Marape brought to the spotlight a very weak performance by public servants and appealed that this be improved as PNG begins on its next 50 years journey.
He urged public servants to work to the best of their ability and deliver services no matter the position or the salary level they were at.
“As we have gone through 50 years of independence, this is a call to every Papua New Guinean to rise up and work hard and to do this to the best of your ability. It is not about where you are placed; it is about a 100 percent effort. We do not have to wait for multimillions to do a job but work for an outcome that is beneficial for our people,” he said.
Giving an example of Well Builders Ltd, the Philippine contractor that worked with the School of Health Sciences to deliver the building within time and budget, he congratulated the contractor and the school administration for delivering the project quickly and within the given financial resources.
He also acknowledged efforts by medical lecturers at the school – such as PNG’s leading medical professional and mentor, Sir Professor Isi Kevau – who were not on top-range salaries, but dedicated their time and effort to teaching students to excel in the field of medicine.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged doctors, nurses and medical professionals for continuing to deliver health services to the people, especially during the COVID-19 outbreak, despite continuing challenges in the health sector in the country.
He said as part of the reforms after the 50 years of Independence, Papua New Guinea must work to get its doctor-to-patient ratio greatly improved, which is currently among the lowest not just in the Pacific region but in the world.
“If you are a public servant, put PNG first, and work hard for your country,” he said.
The UPNG School of Health Sciences multi-purpose hall cost K3.8 million to construct from a K5 million funding given by the National Government and was completed in 10 months.
It is the first of a number of buildings in the Phase 1 plan for the school, which is transitioning into becoming an independent, fully-fledged medical university called the PNG University of Medicine and Health Sciences within the next three to four years following the passing of legislation for its establishment by Parliament in its October 2025 session.