The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) supported St John Ambulance PNG by purchasing a new ambulance worth more than K390, 000.
This assistance will increase optimal healthcare and ambulance services in the country.
The donation is in line with NGCB’s Agreement to purchase three ambulance vehicles per year starting this year to 2024 in the effort to maximize essential medical and ambulance services to the people of PNG through NGCB’s ‘Give Back Program’.
NGCB Director for Community Benefit Fund, Naomi Eringe, spoke on behalf of NGCB CEO Imelda Agon stating that the Board is pleased to partner with St John Ambulance and committed to purchase a total of nine ambulance vehicles for St John Ambulance within three years.
“For NGCB, we are owned by the 8 million plus people of this country, hence we are committed to our social corporate obligation to support community-impact projects and programs that will directly impact the lives of people through our ‘Give Back Program’,” Eringe said.
She said, “Health is one of our priority sectors we support and the purchase of this fully kitted ambulance is part of the three vehicles earmarked for this year to St John Ambulance.”
Eringe said the NGCB is committed in supporting the government’s vision to improve health services and its partnership with St John Ambulance is a step forward in achieving tangible outcomes in the health sector.
Receiving the cheque for St John, Chief of Ambulance Service, Rigona Rita said, “The demand for St John has increased greatly. St John plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical service to our people and we’re responding to an average of 60 incidents each day.
He stated that such services can only be maintained with the support from organizations such as the NGCB and others alike.
The purchase of ambulances will see to it going directly to support the expansion to enhance operations in the Southern and Highland regions.
“Getting additional ambulances on road means to get immediate care to the patients within minutes after a medical emergency occurs,” Rita said.
“We are grateful for this contribution and we will continue to deliver to the communities in their greatest time of need.”