PM MARAPE ANNOUNCES PROPOSED LAW TO STRENGTHEN ST JOHN AMBULANCE SERVICES

PORT MORESBY | Wednesday, 15 July 2026

 Prime Minister Hon. James Marape has announced that the Government will introduce legislation to formally recognise and strengthen the role of St John Ambulance as Papua New Guinea's national emergency medical service provider.

The announcement was made during Question Time in Parliament today in response to questions from Abau MP and Opposition Member Hon. Sir Puka Temu regarding the organisation's operations, funding and long-term sustainability.

Prime Minister Marape acknowledged the vital role St John Ambulance plays in delivering emergency medical care, ambulance transport and rapid response services during road accidents, medical emergencies, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and other life-threatening situations across the country.

He said the proposed legislation would establish a clear legal framework defining St John Ambulance's national mandate, institutional responsibilities and partnership with the Government and the broader public health system.

"We recognise the important work St John Ambulance is doing in saving lives and responding to emergencies. The Government is looking at giving St John Ambulance the proper legal and institutional support it needs to continue serving our people," Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister said the proposed law would strengthen coordination between St John Ambulance, the National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, hospitals, the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, Fire Services and disaster-response agencies.

He acknowledged the significant operational challenges faced by the organisation, including the costs of purchasing and maintaining ambulances, fuel, medical equipment, communications systems, emergency response facilities and training qualified emergency personnel. He also noted that Papua New Guinea's rugged terrain and dispersed population make emergency medical service delivery particularly challenging in rural districts and provinces.

Prime Minister Marape said the Government's long-term objective is to develop a nationally coordinated, properly regulated and sustainably funded ambulance service that is accessible to more Papua New Guineans.

"This is an essential service. When an accident or medical emergency occurs, our people must have confidence that trained emergency personnel and an ambulance can respond as quickly as possible," he said.

The proposed legislation will undergo the normal Government and Parliamentary processes, including consultations with relevant ministries, government agencies and stakeholders. The Government will also continue exploring sustainable funding arrangements to ensure St John Ambulance can expand its services to additional provinces and districts without disruption.

Prime Minister Marape thanked Sir Puka Temu for raising the issue in Parliament, saying emergency health services are fundamental to protecting and preserving human life.

He also paid tribute to St John Ambulance's leadership, paramedics, ambulance officers, emergency dispatch personnel, volunteers and support staff for their dedication and professionalism.

"Our St John Ambulance personnel work under difficult conditions and respond to our citizens during their most vulnerable moments. On behalf of the Government, I thank them for their commitment to saving lives," Prime Minister Marape said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Government's commitment to building a stronger, better regulated and sustainable national ambulance and emergency medical response system that will improve healthcare access and emergency services for communities throughout Papua New Guinea.