SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES

Internship – Internal Practice

ED0 205 Final Report
4th, September, 2023

Name: Junior Yama

ID Number: 2333559
Year: 2
Setting of Internship; National Department of Health (NDoH)

Title: Internship – Final Report with the National Department of Health

 Content

Acknowledgement 3

Declaration

Executive Summary

Chapter 1

1.1 Objective/ Purpose

1.2 The Importance of the Internship

Chapter 2

2.1 Company Profile

2.2 The Origin and Growth of the Company (Brief)

2.3 Outline of the different Departments

2.4 The Organizational Structure

Chapter 3

3.1 Student experiences, tasks and duties performed during Internship

3.2 Share any relevancy you have observed or established of theory to practice

3.3 Provide reflections on your observation of professionalism at the workplace.

CONCLUSION

Appendix

Reference
Acknowledgment

I would like to take this time to give thanks and acknowledge these key individuals who have helped
me in the creating this write-up. Firstly, I would like to thank my dear friend and all time buddy Geita
Vahu, thank you for your support in helping me secure my internship in the National Department of
Health. Secondly, to Lazarus, thank you for giving me and Geita the opportunity and to introduces us
to the department. Thirdly, to Mr Kewa, thank you for your support and time in helping to
coordinate and taking the lead in the internship programme.

In addition, I would like to thank the most greatest and graceful team on earth, who have made me a
part and parcel of their team in NDoH, this goes to the team in Policy Planning at NDoH, Lesi, Ronda,
Rickay, Charlie, Theo, Mr Joseph, Mr Kapilin, Mr James. I would also like to give a big thank you to
my boss meri at the NDoH for granting me the opportunity to do my internship there.
Declaration
Abstract/Executive Summary

The objective of my internship with the National Department of Health was to provide me with an
opportunity to put into practice skills I have learned while I am in school. This internship has helped
me in challenging the applied features of what I know and pays attention on how I can do a
particular job. I had my internship in the National Department of Health within 5 weeks (Week 7 –
11). Most of the information gathered in the National Department of Health was through word of
mouth, reading Annual Implementation Plans (AIP’s), cross-checking old policy plans, as well as new
policy plans, and thru the use of their website on the internet. Some of my findings include;

 Different and value-added skills

One of the most important things I gained from the internship programme was newfound
knowledge. This consist of knowing how to achieve responsibilities that are significant to my
chosen career path and refining the skills that I by now possess.

 Professional communications

Working in a professional setting to me for the first time was very exciting yet fairly stiff to
get used to. Still it is the best way to learn how to navigate the working world through real-
life, hands-on experience.

According to ( ) The National Department of Health is a statutory Organization

focused on 3 main deliverables to the people of Papua New Guinea of this Corporate Plan:

1. Guide to improve delivery of internal NDoH corporate and administration services.

2. Effective delivery of NDoH annual recurrent activities

3. Effective coordination of capacity building support for the PHAs and other agencies.

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 Experience

Form my own experience, from the first time I walked in I was treated as a part of their
team. The work environment was everything could never expect. It was fun, it was engaging
and most toxic tingly addictive. I felt like I just wanted to live in there. From the benefits and
initiatives to the work itself, friends and colleagues I met. I was perfect. I was given the task
of assisting young officers to create AIP’s (Annual Implementation Plan’s) for 2024. What is
an AIP’s? Well an AIP’s is no ordinary joke. It is the budget for each and every hospital, aid
post, Provincial Health Authority, etc. for Papua New Guinea.

 Dressing

I felt the need to be professional due to the fact that the people around me were wearing
buttoned shirts tucked in their pants and shiny shoes, or at least polished. And, if the
weather ever gets cold they just wore their suits. So, in order to adapt I wore a red button
shirt, with my black pants and a black shoe to work.
 Attendance

Work starts every day Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:06 p.m. Most of the people
come to work at 9.00a.m. Due to length of getting to work and the traffic in major junction
points like Waigani, Gordons and Erima.
Chapter 1

1.1 Objective/ Purpose

The objective of my internship with the NDoH was to provide me with an opportunity to put into
practice skills I have learned while I am in school. In addition, I would have the opportunity to
develop those skills, acquire the perception of a work environment and benefit from my mentors
practice and guidance.

1.2 The Importance of the Internship

The one of the advantages of pursuing an internship with NDoH is that I got to use knowledge and
skills that I’ve learned in the classroom with authentic work experience. This internship has helped
me in challenging the applied features of what I know and pays attention on how I can do a
particular job.

What is the importance of having internship?

Gain a competitive edge

Internships gives me a competitive edge and make me stand out. This internship programme
provides me with experience and the skills to help make employers notice me and as well as
presenting them that I would be a good fit for the organization.

1.3 Scope

Some of the relevant details about my internship experience includes having the best team possible,
environmentally friendly setting, great benefits such as taking part in activities and tasks given by our
superiors. In addition, every day is a new day with brings new opportunities as well as new tasks to
do which for me was very exciting, to take part with or assist experts in their profession is a dream
come true.

My position in the National Department of Health was to assist and learn as much as possible.
Basically, what I did there was look for opportunities to get myself involved, whether its stapling
papers or assisting in meeting or attending large PHA meetings with numerous CEOs as well as the
Governor for Health I was present. I did sometimes uses the Wi-Fi to do online studies, usually when
I’ am free from time to time.

Some of the skills I’ve learnt as well as skills I’ve acquired includes learning the basics of entering
AIPs from the summary budget, the importance of setting up or conducting meetings, how to use my
email (which I’ve used little of in school), etc. in addition, I’ve learnt the importance of
communication and not to isolate yourself. Furthermore, what we learn from school is 70% not used
in the work force, for the environment of a school is not the same of an office.

1.4 Period of Training

I had my internship in the National Department of Health within 5 weeks (Week 7 – 11). Basically, I
was slotted by my course timetable to go in for internship on Mondays and Tuesdays. Therefore, the
total number of hours covered and used in my internship was 80 hours.

1.5 Methodology (how information gathered/collected)

Information about the National Department of Health:

Most of the information gathered in the National Department of Health was through word of mouth,
reading Annual Implementation Plans (AIP’s), cross-checking old policy plans, as well as new policy
plans, and thru the use of their website on the internet.

Information about my field of endeavour:

The information used in this report for my field of endeavour is directly through expert’s word of
mouth, hands on experience, coordinating meetings, and reading research documents.

1.6 Findings (Results)

 Different and value-added skills

One of the most important things I gained from the internship programme was newfound
knowledge. This consist of knowing how to achieve responsibilities that are significant to my
chosen career path and refining the skills that I by now possess.

 Professional communications

Working in a professional setting to me for the first time was very exciting yet fairly stiff to
get used to. Still it is the best way to learn how to navigate the working world through real-
life, hands-on experience.

One of the most valuable skills I gained from my internship was the ability to communicate
with people in a professional setting. Discussions with superiors and co-workers are different
from discussions with lecturers and students.

 Networking

Every once in a while I would get to know other interns, co-workers, superiors, etc. Not only
did I end up making great memories and making good friends, but I also widen my
professional network.

 Work hard

I work hard even though my task was small and seemed unimportant. Therefore, it would
help me build a good work ethic, and people will notice the effort I put in. It’s not nice being
told what to do all the time, but my superiors (mostly) know better. Following the rules and
instructions they give me makes it easier for everyone.

Chapter 2

2.1 Company Profile

According to ( ) The National Department of Health is a statutory Organization

focused on 3 main deliverables to the people of Papua New Guinea of this Corporate Plan:

1. Guide to improve delivery of internal NDoH corporate and administration services.

2. Effective delivery of NDoH annual recurrent activities

3. Effective coordination of capacity building support for the PHAs and other agencies.

Our Vision
An organization of excellence leading the health sector with sound planning, robust health
standards, compliance and a preferred public health sector employer.

Our Mission

To provide sound health sector leadership in development of plans, setting of quality health
standards, processes, legislations and effective coordination of service delivery agencies through
robust d evelopment of our workforce and sound partnerships.

Our Goals

The trusted leader in health sector creating conditions for the population to have greater access to
quality primary health and international standard of secondary and tertiary health service.

Our Values

The Department’s values are those clear and important beliefs, ethics, attitudes and work culture
that staff are encouraged to apply and demonstrate in all aspects of their working lives. This
includes:

Professional leadership with direction, loyalty and moral courage.

Individual competence and accountability.

Decisions based on the highest levels of integrity and honesty.

Cohesive team work, which is outcome oriented and innovative.

"PLICIT" "Professionalism, Loyalty, Innovative, Courage, Integrity and Team work."

2.2 The Origin and Growth of the Company (Brief)

The National Department of Health is not a company as it is not profit-oriented in ways. It is a

department of the independent state of Papua New Guinea. Established by the Australian Colonial
Authority. later, recognized as a major and significant sector in the economy of Papua New Guinea.
It has gained attention in 1975 preceding the independence of PNG.

2.3 Outline of the different Departments

Planning and Policy

Auditing

Public Health

Human Resource
2.4 The Organizational Structure

Secretary of Health

Chapter 3

3.1 Student experiences, tasks and duties performed during Internship

 Experience

Form my own experience, from the first time I walked in I was treated as a part of their
team. I was given a tour around the offices, getting to know the important people who help
run the great National Department of Health, which takes care of our PHA’s (Provincial
Health Authority’s) of which we benefit a great deal from. From there, I was given my own
personal desk to do my biddings.

The work environment was everything could never expect. It was fun, it was engaging and
most toxic tingly addictive. I felt like I just wanted to live in there. From the benefits and
initiatives to the work itself, friends and colleagues I met. I was perfect. Maybe too perfect. I
knew if I wanted a good life, this is the life I would pursue. Still a good life is single handily
the greatest threat to a great life.

 Tasks and Duties performed

I was given the task of assisting young officers to create AIP’s (Annual Implementation
Plan’s) for 2024. What is an AIP’s? Well an AIP’s is no ordinary joke. It is the budget for each
and every hospital, aid post, Provincial Health Authority, etc. for Papua New Guinea.
Eventually, it was quite laborious to conduct, create and implement.

From my perspective, I was absorbing every little thing, from the data entry to the policy
implementations. It was totally different from what I’ve learnt in school. With real
experience, we collected data – the amount of money needed to cater for their work, the
description of what the money would be used for and additional improvements needed to
perform work.

3.2 Share any relevancy you have observed or established of theory to practice

Important and Significant theories and practices observed.

One of the greatest achievement I would say from my experience was how people conducted their
meetings. I was fortunate enough to assist an expert in his work, his name was Theo. He was a very
kind, funny, enthusiastic fellow, but what I find most intriguing about him was his work ethic.
Graduated in economics like me but in UPNG he is a workaholic – he loves what he does and does
what he love. The last time I saw him was the day before he left for South Korea with his superiors
for a workshop.

In addition, I got to apply my school learnt skill in emailing colleagues which was fun. Apart from that
setting meeting’s, learning about policies and how each and every policy and plans carried out must
be in order and in line with the Health Regulations.

3.3 Provide reflections on your observation of professionalism (dressing, attendance &

Punctuality, time management, hygiene practice, etc...) At the workplace.

 Dressing

I felt the need to be professional due to the fact that the people around me were wearing
buttoned shirts tucked in their pants and shiny shoes, or at least polished. And, if the
weather ever gets cold they just wore their suits. So, in order to adapt I wore a red button
shirt, with my black pants and a black shoe to work.

 Attendance

Work starts every day Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:06 p.m. Most of the people
come to work at 9.00a.m. Due to length of getting to work and the traffic in major junction
points like Waigani, Gordons and Erima.

 Punctuality

Unlike a company, working for the government doesn’t require you to clock in and out, you
would still get paid if you did your job and is registered in the system.

 Time Management

Everything depends on time management if you were late in doing your duties then it drags
the whole team down. Therefore, each and every duty and task dissected to each individual
must be done in a matter of days, hours, weeks, depending on the timeframe given.

 Hygiene Practice

Since it is the National Department of Health, hygiene practices and safety is very important.
Everyone is given sanitizers and masks for their own safety. The building is kept clean by
great janitors who do their work splendidly.

 Dedication

Most if not all the employees I met there are focussed in their own bubble. Work, eat, sleep,
and repeat is what they do. I would say because it was very fascinating to me at first and it
still is.

 Initiatives or Benefits

Benefits for working there, I would say traveling Papua New Guinea and the world, getting
allowances, moving up the ladder of superiority. In addition, I would say one of the greatest
intangible assets includes the enthusiastic working environment.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the National Department of Health is Papua New Guinea’s reliable spearhead in health
division forming conditions for the people to have better access to valuable primary health and
universal standard of secondary and tertiary health service. From my own experience, the work
environment was everything could never expect. It was fun, it was engaging and most toxic tingly
addictive. I felt like I just wanted to live in there. From the benefits and initiatives to the work itself,
friends and colleagues I met. I was perfect. In addition, I got to apply my school learnt skill in
emailing colleagues which was fun. I would only recommend that new interns going into these
programs network a lot and learn as much as possible.

Appendix
Reference