Twenty-two staff members from the Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) have completed a two-week Records Management short course, marking a significant milestone in their professional development. The graduation ceremony took place last Thursday in the WHPHA Training Room, where participants received certificates of completion from the Somare Institute of Leadership and Governance (SILAG).
The course was designed to enhance public service delivery through effective recordkeeping and covered key topics such as developing and implementing records management systems, handling both physical and digital records, and ensuring confidentiality while complying with regulatory standards.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Jane Holden congratulated the graduates, acknowledging their dedication and personal investment in the program. Each participant paid K850 for the course from their own pockets, reflecting their commitment to excellence.
“The skills you’ve gained will not only improve your work but also strengthen the integrity and accountability of our organization,” Holden said during the ceremony.
Most participants were from WHPHA’s Corporate Services Directorate and expressed pride in their accomplishment. Alpha Ropkil, one of the graduates, thanked SILAG for offering the course and noted that the training would enable them to perform more effectively in their roles.
Long-serving WHPHA employee Miriam Kaki also commended the course trainer, Benny Mandea, stating, “I now feel confident storing documents accurately and retrieving them with ease.”
The Records Management course emphasized the importance of records as tools for decision-making, historical preservation, and organizational accountability. Participants learned to manage the entire lifecycle of records, from creation and maintenance to secure storage and eventual disposition.
SILAG’s initiative reflects a broader effort to upskill public servants across Papua New Guinea, ensuring they are prepared to meet the evolving demands of governance and service delivery.
