The National St John Ambulance Council Papua New Guinea (NStJA) has commissioned its first ambulance service in Unggai Bena District on 15th May 2026 marking a major milestone in expanding emergency pre-hospital healthcare access in the district.
The service was established through a request and funding support from the Unggai Bena District Development Authority (DDA), in partnership with the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (EHPHA).
Unggai Bena District, with a population of more than 75,000 people, consists of three Local Level Government areas: Upper Bena Rural, Lower Bena Rural, and Unggai Rural.
Recruitment and training for ambulance officers were conducted in 2025, with four local recruits successfully completing their ambulance training program.
In February 2026, a total of eight ambulance officers including four newly trained local officers and four experienced officers deployed from Port Moresby were stationed in the district.
Since deployment, the ambulance team has conducted community awareness programs on emergency access, supported local events, and responded to more than 200 emergencies.
Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Sports, and Member for Unggai Bena, Kinoka Feo welcomed the commissioning and acknowledged the partners involved.
“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 Unggai Bena.”
He also acknowledged the Eastern Highlands Provincial Health Authority (PHA) for supporting the integration of the service into existing health programs.
NStJA Commissioner and Chief Executive, Mr. Kai Tane said emergency response services play a critical role in saving lives.
“Emergency healthcare is often the difference between life and death,” Mr. Tane said.
“When a mother experiences complication 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.”
He said the establishment of the service followed three years of planning and discussions between NStJA and the Unggai Bena DDA, beginning in 2023.
“This is the first ambulance to be commissioned and there’s more to come,” he said.
“With eight ambulance officers working 12-hour shifts, the people of Unggai Bena now have access to a 24-hour ambulance service, seven days a week.”
He said services can be accessed through the National Ambulance Operations Centre (NAOC) on 303 1000 or the toll-free emergency number 111.
Recruitment for a second ambulance service has already commenced, which will expand coverage across the district and create additional employment opportunities for local residents.
“To the people of Unggai-Bena this ambulance belongs to you. Protect it, support it, and work with our officers so we can continue strengthening emergency services in the district,” Mr Tane said.
NStJA Board Member Ms. Taimil Taylor said the commissioning reflects the organization’s commitment to expanding emergency healthcare access to rural communities.
The service is expected to improve emergency response times and strengthen healthcare delivery across Unggai Bena District.
