Nurses in East New Britain Province (ENBP) joined others around the world, earmarking the International Nurses’ Day on Friday May 15, 2026, under the global theme: “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered Nurses Save Lives.”
Celebrations were held across the province at Rabaul Provincial Hospital, Warangoi Rural Hospital, Pomio District Hospital, and Butuwin Urban Clinic.
The day served to advocate for the profession, recognizing the evolution of nursing from its modern birth in 1854, through the 20th century and into the present day.
Despite the daily challenges encountered in patient care, East New Britain Provincial Health Authority (ENBPHA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Dr. Ako Yap noted that nurses across all 32 health facilities in the province continue to perform their duties diligently.
“Congratulations to all our nurses in ENBP on your celebrations on the International Nurses Day.”
“You are and will always be the backbone and eyes of the health services in the province, country and beyond.”
“We admire your professionalism, compassion, dedication and commitment to serve our community, especially at our rural and hard to reach communities.”
Dr. Yap went on acknowledging the sacrifices the nurses do by showing gratitude for their resilience and compassion in patient care.
“Your persistence, perseverance and patience during disasters, both natural and man-made, have always been acknowledged and commendable.”
During the celebrations at Rabaul Provincial Hospital, both male and female nurses participated in a showcase of the different colored scrubs worn in their specific lines of work.
This display highlighted the historical evolution of the nurse’s uniform, which has transitioned from formal dresses and caps into more practical, hygienic, and comfortable modern medical scrubs.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director Clinical Nursing Sister Felicitas Vovo, who led the celebrations, emphasized that nurses work three shifts a day, requiring a tremendous team effort.
“Despite less manpower attending to so many patients in the emergency and accidents (A&E), operating theatre, surgical, medical, labour and maternity, the nurses show commitment.”
At Warangoi Rural Hospital, Sister Dessie Ririmut highlighted the critical need to support the profession by establishing fair, safe, and empowered working environments.
“It is a day to recognize the tireless, often invisible work of nurses, the true backbone of our health system.”
“Nursing is not a profession but a vital, often lifesaving calling that requires our full adequate staffing, proper resources and fair compensation.”
Meanwhile, at the Butuwin Urban Clinic, other clinicians joined the nursing staff to promote and celebrate the many vital deeds nurses perform.
Officer in Charge (OIC) and Health Extension Officer (HEO), Irene Pukai, strongly affirmed the high demand for nursing services.
“Nursing services is crucial in-patient care, health promotion and clinical management where they have responsibilities in assessing patients, administering patients as well as educate patients.”
Pukai added that it is vital for patients to understand just how demanding the nursing role is, spanning everything from hands-on clinical care to healthcare administration.
Currently, the ENBPHA employs approximately 1, 200 health workers across its various facilities, with nursing officers making up the vast majority of these clinical personnel.
