All security guards employed by the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) have been issued with new uniforms.

The dark blue uniforms comprising a pair of trousers, shirt, boot, jacket, cap and belt were issued to the 35 guards recently after going through an intensive 10 days training in all aspects of security work.

The training was conducted by a Security Industry Authority certified trainer from the National Security Training College in Lae, owned by the Guard Dog Security Company.

The WHPHA is a licensed security employer with a Class C licence issued under the Security Industry Authority (SIA) Act and the training of its guards by the certified trainer means it is now fully compliant with all requirements of the Act.

The completion of the training which saw them receive certificates as trained guards was a proud moment for all of them as they proudly wore their new uniforms and marched up to receive their papers.

The new uniforms are aimed at boosting the morale of the guards to commit themselves fully to their work and perform more effectively to improve crowd control and movement of people and vehicles as well as protecting all assets and services at Mt Hagen Hospital.

The 34 male guards and one female have all been issued with three sets of uniforms each.

The uniforms which cost a total of K29,000 including the cost of embroidery work were made by Paradise Tailoring, a nationally-owned company based in Port Moresby.

The acting Chief Executive Officer of the WHPHA, Mr David Vorst while presenting the certificates congratulated all the guards on completing their training successfully and urged them to wear their uniforms with pride and perform their duties with diligence and commitment.