AUSTRALIA AND UNFPA BOOST ENGA EMERGENCY SERVICES WITH AMBULANCE

The Enga Provincial Health Authority in Papua New Guinea has received a fully equipped medical ambulance, thanks to funding support by the Australian Government, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

This vital donation aims to strengthen healthcare services across the Enga Province, including responding to humanitarian disasters.

“UNFPA is committed to ensuring that life-saving supplies and services are accessible to communities in times of crisis.

This ambulance will be instrumental in providing timely emergency medical care and efficient patient transportation, particularly in the aftermath of natural disasters and for ongoing healthcare needs in Enga Province,” said Ms. Saira Shameem, UNFPA Country Representative in Papua New Guinea.

Enga PHA Officer-in-Charge, Mr. Ben Nema, acknowledged the significance of the ambulance services to the Enga Provincial Health Authority (PHA), as the need in the Province for such services is high.

“This ambulance is important for improving efficiency in patient referrals and care, addressing the gaps currently faced by rural health facilities, where the demand is greatest,” said Mr. Ben Nema.

“On behalf of the Enga Provincial Health Authority, the Board of Governance, and the Senior Executive Management, I express my gratitude to the Australian Government and the United Nations Population Fund for their commitment and support to rural health services in Enga Province through this donation.”

The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) also highlighted their commitment to strengthen healthcare systems and improve emergency response services in Papua New Guinea.

The official handover ceremony took place at Ela Motors in Mt. Hagen, attended by Australian Government Minister-Counsellor Penny Morton, UNFPA Country Representative Ms. Saira Shameem, Mr. Kenneth Andrews, Board Chairman of Enga Provincial Health Authority and Deputy Provincial Administrator (District and Local-Level Government (LLG) Affairs) and Enga Provincial Health Authority Officer-in-Charge Mr. Ben Nema.

The ambulance, a fully-kitted Toyota Land Cruiser, is equipped with advanced medical features, including: • A siren system and rotating LED beacon (red or green) fitted on the roof. • An attendant seat for two to three passengers. • A primary stretcher with a mattress and four wheels. • A half-opening partition wall between the driver and patient compartments. • Essential medical tools, such as an intravenous feeding hook, oxygen inhaler/resuscitator, fire extinguisher, and basic first aid kit.