THE National St John Ambulance Council Papua New Guinea (NStJA) is proud to announce the commissioning of the first ambulance in Unggai-Bena District, Eastern Highlands Province.
Through the request and funding support of the Unggai-Bena District Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA), the National St John Ambulance service has been successfully established in Unggai-Bena District, marked by the commissioning of its first ambulance.
This represents a major step forward in improving access to emergency pre-hospital healthcare services for the people of Unggai-Bena District. The district, with a population of more than 75,000 people, consists of three Local Level Government (LLG) areas: Upper Bena Rural, Lower Bena Rural, and Unggai Rural.
Recruitment and training of ambulance officers were conducted in 2025, with four local recruits successfully completing their ambulance training program. In February this year, a total of eight ambulance officers — including the four newly trained local officers and four experienced officers from Port Moresby — were deployed to the district.
The ambulance team has actively engaged with communities through awareness and outreach activities aimed at educating residents on how to access emergency medical services, supported local events and responded to over 200 emergencies.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Sports, and Member for Unggai-Bena, Hon. Kinoka Feo, acknowledged the National St John Ambulance Council for successfully delivering the ambulance service project.
“Healthcare remains a priority for the district, and the establishment of the ambulance service is a major milestone for the people of Unggai-Bena,” Minister Feo said.
“Our people can now access a fully equipped ambulance staffed by trained professionals who can provide critical pre-hospital emergency care from the scene of an incident through to hospital admission.”
“This fills a significant gap in healthcare delivery within the district, and the DDA remains committed to supporting and strengthening the ambulance service in UnggaiBena.”
Minister Feo also thanked the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority for recognising and supporting the ambulance service to complement the district’s healthcare programs.
NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive, Mr Kai Tane, acknowledged the commitment of the Unggai-Bena DDA and the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority in ensuring the successful establishment of ambulance presence in the district.
“Emergency healthcare is often the difference between life and death. When a mother experiences complications during childbirth, when a child becomes critically ill, when there is a road accident or medical emergency — timely ambulance response and trained pre-hospital care can save lives before a patient even reaches hospital. That is why services like this are so important,” Commissioner Tane said.
“The establishment of the ambulance service has been three years in the making, following formal discussions between NStJA and the Unggai-Bena DDA in 2023.
““This is the first ambulance to be commissioned and there’s more to come.
“With eight ambulance officers working 12-hour shifts, the people of Unggai-Bena have access to a 24-hour ambulance service, seven days a week by calling the National Ambulance Operations Centre (NAOC) on 303 1000 or the toll-free emergency number 111.
“We have now commenced recruitment for the second ambulance in Unggai-Bena. This will provide greater coverage across the district and ensure faster emergency response times for our communities. Importantly, it will also create employment opportunities for eight men and women from Unggai-Bena who will be joining the team.
“To the people of Unggai-Bena — this ambulance belongs to you. Protect it, support it, and work with our officers so that together we continue working to strengthen and expand ambulance services in this district,” Commissioner Tane said.
Representing the National St John Council, Board Member Ms Taimil Taylor said the commissioning of the ambulance in Unggai-Bena Ambulance reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to emergency healthcare services to rural and underserved communities across Papua New Guinea.