The Papua New Guinea Nursing Association (PNGNA) has partnered with Southern Cross Assurance to deliver nationwide insurance coverage for nurses, in a move aimed at strengthening healthcare support for frontline workers across the country.
PNGNA President Frederick Kebai, and Southern Cross executives, described the agreement as a long-term partnership focused on improving the welfare of nurses.
The announcement was made during a press conference in Port Moresby at Grand Papua Hotel on Saturday, March 21, where PNGNA executives and Southern Cross Assurance representatives outlined the structure and benefits of the new arrangement.
Mr. Kebai said the partnership reflects the association’s long-standing commitment to improving the welfare of its more than 4,000 members nationwide.
Established in 1972, the association has continued to advocate for better working conditions, professional development, and welfare support for nurses.
He explained that under the new arrangement, medical insurance coverage will now be managed by Southern Cross Assurance, while life insurance will remain with the existing provider, ensuring a more specialized and focused approach to member benefits.
“All I want, and all we want, is that the policies are working and members are happy with the service they are receiving.”
“Nurses are from the womb to the tomb, we look after patients, but when we are sick, we are lost, we are confused.”
“Where do we go or who is going to look after us… the only thing that we want to align ourselves with the insurance company is for nurses to be well looked after.”
Meanwhile, PNGNA General Secretary Mulina Kwalimu, said that the partnership aligns with national policies and reflects a broader vision of collaboration between public institutions and private sector partners to improve service delivery and living standards.
On the other hand, Southern Cross Assurance Chief Executive Officer Srirangan E.K, said the agreement goes beyond a commercial transaction, describing it as a responsibility to support one of the country’s most critical sectors.
“It is not simply a commercial transaction; it is a kind of partnership. We are looking forward to serve you.”
“We will try to earn it every day in terms of responsiveness and the way we handle this medical service,” he said, adding that the company is developing systems, including digital platforms, to improve service delivery.
As part of the partnership, Southern Cross Assurance is also investing in new healthcare infrastructure, including a medical facility expected to be operational later this year.
The facility will include consultation rooms, diagnostic services, and laboratory capabilities aimed at improving access to quality care for members.
Also present was Southern Cross Chairman Roxon Undi, who highlighted the scale of the commitment, noting that the company is positioning itself to support nurses nationwide while contributing to broader healthcare development in Papua New Guinea.
“We understand the enormity of the task ahead, but we will put all our resources together to make sure that this partnership becomes truthful and we serve the purpose, which is the hardworking nurses around the country.”
He added that the company plans to expand its medical services, including establishing diagnostic and treatment facilities to better serve insured members.
Furthermore, the partnership signals a significant shift in how healthcare support is delivered to nurses in PNG, with both PNGNA and Southern Cross Assurance committing to strengthen coverage, improve services, and build long-term systems that prioritize the welfare of the country’s frontline health workers.
