The Japanese Embassy recently presented six new and fully-kitted ambulance vehicles to the Enga Provincial Health Authority in Wabag. This will help improve the emergency medical system and strengthen the provincial medical system. The ambulances were donated at a cost of close to K283, 000.
The six vehicles are fully-kitted with oxygen cylinders, masks, with other emergency medical and first aid kits for emergency responses.
An officer from the Japanese Embassy had visited the province last year and identified a great need for ambulance services to people in the rural and remotest parts of Enga. Due to the rugged terrain and remoteness of many districts, most people still lack the basic health care services, just like many other districts in Papua New Guinea.
Japanese Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency Satoshi Nakajima, says “The ambulances are given under the embassy’s Society for Japanese Promotion of Diplomacy program to help mothers and children receive the health services they need.”
Enga Provincial Health Authority CEO, Aaron Luia, commented that “Such donations by development partners will relieve some health and funding burdens by the Provincial Health Authorities and the Provincial Governments.”
Enga Province’s priority for nearly 18 years was education, but in the last five years, it has included health as one of its biggest priorities. Wabag General Hospital after receiving Provincial Health Authority status in 2014, has benefited a lot from the National and Provincial Governments and donor partners.
Deputy Provincial Governor, Leo Kuala, on behalf of Enga Governor, Sir Peter Ipatas, extended his appreciation to the people of Japan and said to continue the partnership program to develop Enga Province.
By Vasinatta Yama – EMTV News, Mt Hagen
