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DWU MBBS Year 1 Students Showcase Innovative Solutions to Health System Challenges

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) Year 1 students at Divine Word University recently presented innovative project-based learning (PBL) initiatives aimed at addressing some of Papua New Guinea’s most pressing healthcare challenges.

Held at the SPBA Building, the presentations showcased student-designed technological solutions that target fragmented health systems and promote greater efficiency in healthcare delivery. The projects focused on areas such as referral management, data management, inventory control, communication between patients and clinicians, and other critical aspects of healthcare services.

The initiative was introduced by lecturer Mr. Francis James as part of a Project-Based Learning approach designed to strengthen students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation skills. Students were challenged to identify real-world problems within the health sector and develop practical, technology-driven solutions that could improve healthcare accessibility and system performance.

The event featured presentations, simulations, and live demonstrations from student groups, followed by interactive question-and-answer sessions where students defended and explained their proposed solutions.

Mr. James highlighted the importance of empowering future healthcare professionals to think critically about current challenges facing the health sector.

“We presented students with real challenges affecting Papua New Guinea’s health system and asked them to develop practical solutions. These challenges included manual documentation processes, poor medical record management, ineffective referral systems, data management issues, and communication gaps between patients, clinicians, and stakeholders. The solutions presented have the potential to contribute to stronger and more efficient healthcare service delivery in Papua New Guinea,” said Mr. Francis James.

In his closing remarks, MBBS lecturer Dr. Glen Millan commended the students for addressing real-world healthcare challenges through innovative thinking and the use of emerging technologies.

“These are some of the real-life challenges we face in healthcare service delivery across our Provincial Health Authorities. The students have addressed many of these issues through their projects, demonstrating how artificial intelligence and technology can contribute to improving our healthcare systems. It is encouraging to see students embracing AI and information technology at an early stage of their medical education, as these skills will play an important role in the future of healthcare in Papua New Guinea,” said Dr. Glen Millan.

The presentations reflected the creativity, innovation, and problem-solving abilities of the MBBS Year 1 students while demonstrating the value of integrating technology into healthcare education and practice.