Prime Minister James Marape has announced plans to introduce new legislation to strengthen St John Ambulance Papua New Guinea by formally recognizing and supporting its role as the country’s national emergency medical service.
Responding to questions from Abau MP and Opposition member Sir Puka Temu during Question Time in Parliament yesterday, Mr. Marape said the proposed law would provide a stronger legal framework for St John Ambulance and improve its ability to deliver emergency services nationwide.
He said the legislation would clearly define the organization’s national mandate, responsibilities, institutional arrangements and relationship with the Government and the public health system.
“We recognize the important work St John Ambulance is doing in saving lives and responding to emergencies,” Mr. Marape said in a statement today.
“The Government is looking at giving St John Ambulance the proper legal and institutional support it needs to continue serving our people.”
The Prime Minister said the proposed law would strengthen coordination between St John Ambulance, the National Department of Health, Provincial Health Authorities, hospitals, police, fire services and disaster response agencies.
He acknowledged that St John Ambulance personnel are often the first to respond to road accidents, medical emergencies, fires, natural disasters, disease outbreaks and major public events.
Mr. Marape said the organization faced significant operational costs, including maintaining ambulances, purchasing medical equipment, fuel, communications systems and recruiting and training emergency medical personnel.
He said Papua New Guinea’s difficult terrain and scattered population created additional challenges for ambulance services, particularly in remote districts and provinces.
“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.
Mr. Marape said the Government would consult relevant ministries, departments and stakeholders before bringing the proposed legislation before Parliament.
He also said the Government would continue exploring sustainable funding arrangements to ensure ambulance services were expanded to more provinces and districts without disruption.
The Prime Minister thanked Sir Puka Temu for raising the issue in Parliament and said emergency healthcare was critical because it involved saving lives.
He also paid tribute to St John Ambulance’s leadership, paramedics, ambulance officers, emergency dispatch personnel, volunteers and staff for their dedication.
“Our St John Ambulance personnel work under difficult conditions and respond to our citizens during their most vulnerable moments,” Mr. Marape said.
“On behalf of the Government, I thank them for their commitment to saving lives.”
He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to building a stronger, better regulated and sustainable national ambulance and emergency medical response system for Papua New Guinea.