On November 29, 2019, the swearing-in ceremony of the PNGIMR council members took place. In attendance was his Worship, Mr Gerard Vetunawa, Magistrate of the Goroka District Court, who was the celebrant of the occasion, he
was accompanied by Mr Tobby Noiye.
Dedication service for the swear – in ceremony was conducted by Rev. Grahamme Baital from St John’s Lutheran congregation, West Goroka.
According to the PNGIMR Act – Section 7 on the ‘Composition of the Council’ the appointment of themembers of the PNGIMR council include but not limited to the following;
1. Professor Sir Isi Kevau, (Council Chairman), person with high distinction and experience in health services (term of 5 years – 2020-2025).
2. Professor Nakapi Tefuarani, representing national universities and research institutions nominated for medical expertise (term of 3 years – 2020-2023). Prof. Tefuarani is the Dean of School of Medicine and Health Sciences, UPNG.
3. Professor Frank Griffin, representing national universities and research institutes nominated for expertise in social and anthropological aspects of health care (term of 5 years – 2020-2025). Prof. Griffin is the Vice Chancellor of UPNG, main campus.
4. Mr Tony Lupiwa, Proxy member to Dr Nick Dala from National AIDS Council Secretariat (term of 3 years – 2020-2023)
5. Prof. William Pomat, PNGIMR Director (term of 3 years – 2020-2023).
Council members appointed but were not presentand will be sworn in at a later date are:
1. Dr Nick Dala, National AIDS Council Secretariat (term of 3 years – 2020-2023).
2. Mr Pascoe Kase, Health Secretary, National Department of Health (term of 3 years – 2020-2023)
3. Dr Evelyn Lavu, person with high distinction and experience in health services (term of 5 years – 2020-2025).
The PNGIMR council members’ term of office had expired in 2019 and this ceremony saw the renewal of their membership with additional representatives.
The occasion also saw the departing of one of its long serving council member – Professor John Vince who was replaced by Dr Evelyn Lavu.
The Institute as a statutory agency of PNG is subject to its Act (PNGIMR Act) and this event provided the governing power f the council in executing it’s mandated duty in serving the people of this country.
