​K800,000 for St John’s Ambulance

The St John’s Ambulance will soon receive K800,000 as part of the Government’s initial contribution of K1.5 million.

This was announced by Minister for Health, Michael Malabag, yesterday in Port Moresby.

The Government recently gave K700,000 to the ambulance service and will settle the remaining funds soon.

Operating in PNG for the last 60 years, the funding for St. John’s will allow the ambulance to continue its services and to further expand its specialty functions.

St John’s Ambulance chief commissioner, Mollen Molki, thanked the Government for its support and said the community appreciates the vital services of St John’s paramedics.

Molki said the Government support will go a long way in aiding emergency response services for people in the National Capital District, Central and Gulf Province.

“An effective ambulance service in the country is very important as it improves access to emergency health care.

“Being able to respond quickly to an emergency and provide the right treatment on the scene, and while on the road to a hospital, is a critical component of preventing deaths,” Molki said.

The funding will be used to carry out the first paramedic training program in PNG by the St John’s Ambulance and its partners.

The funds will also be used to establish a permanent St John Ambulance station at the Gerehu Hospital.

Malabag congratulated the ambulance service on a job well done.

Author: 
Quintina Naime