Government Backs Ambulance Services

The government is proposing legislation aimed at formally recognising and supporting the role of the National St John Ambulance (NStJA) in delivering emergency medical services across Papua New Guinea, following an announcement by Prime Minister James Marape in Parliament on July 15.

The National St John Ambulance said the proposed law would provide a legal framework for the organisation’s responsibilities as the country’s national ambulance service and support future development of emergency medical services.

Commissioner and Chief Executive, Kai Tane, said the legislation could strengthen arrangements for ambulance operations and support the long-term development of the sector. According to the organisation, the legislation would assist efforts to expand ambulance services, strengthen clinical governance, develop the ambulance workforce and improve coordination between health authorities, hospitals, police, fire services and disaster response agencies.

Mr Tane said the National St John Ambulance would work with the government, the National Department of Health and other stakeholders as the proposal moves through consultation and parliamentary processes.

The organisation also acknowledged the government’s intention to address funding arrangements for ambulance services, noting the challenges of delivering emergency medical care across Papua New Guinea’s geography.

The National St John Ambulance provides pre-hospital emergency care and ambulance services across the country and said it remains committed to working with government agencies, health authorities and communities to improve access to emergency medical services.

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