Evelyn Charlie Laban started her nursing career in 1973 at Paton Memorial Hospital. A year later, she moved to Vila Central Hospital (VCH) as part of the second group of trained nurses. She has been working in health care for almost 50 years.

Looking back, Evelyn remembers a time when life was simple and salaries were small. “In those days, our salary was only 2 pounds every two weeks,” she said. (A modest amount, roughly equivalent to a few thousand Vatu today.) “But it was enough. We did not depend on money. We worked for the people.”

She worked as a midwife at VCH, then joined the INTV Clinic in the early 2000s, and later moved to Vanuatu Family Health, where she still works today.

Evelyn says nurses today are lucky to have many training programs and opportunities. “We did not have these opportunities before. I wish we had. But I am happy for the new nurses because it will make the health sector stronger.”

During VCH’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Evelyn met with old colleagues she had not seen since their days at Paton Memorial Hospital before independence. They hugged, shared memories, and some even shed tears.

“We gave our time, our strength, and our hearts,” Evelyn said. “Seeing my old colleagues today reminded me why we chose this job. It was never about money. It was about helping the people.”

VCH celebrates 50 years under the theme “Healing and Hope: Honouring Our Roots, Celebrating the Present, Innovating for the Future.” Evelyn’s story shows how the hospital’s early staff worked with dedication and love to build the health system that serves Vanuatu today.