PNG Nurses Association provides affordable lending institution for its members

Seven thousand nurses in Papua New Guinea will benefit from the Nurses Savings and Loans Society which was launched on Wednesday in Port Moresby.

Established well before the country's Independence, the Papua New Guinea Nurses Association has seen the struggles of nurses despite their commitment in ensuring basic health services are maintained.

PNGNA general secretary Mulina Kwalimu says the recent times have been challenging due to the tough economic conditions and other social issues.

He says the newly-launched savings and loans society is proposed to eradicate the financial struggles of the nurses.

“The union over the years has fought for nurses' welfare however this is a major achievement in its history,” Kwalimu said.

“I would like to see the housing agenda pursued next.”

Association president Frederick Kebai says that it hasn’t been an easy journey, however he is proud that the financial freedom for nurses is achieved after five years.

The facility is set to offer nurses the lowest loan repayment rate of one percent per month or 12 percent per annum.