Jiwaka PHA receives 5 new ambulances

Health services in Jimi District are set to improve following the donation of five new ambulances, made possible through support from the Jimi District Development Authority [DDA] and other partners.

Under the leadership of Civil Aviation Minister and local MP Wake Goi, the Jimi DDA handed over the vehicles to the Jiwaka Provincial Health Authority [JPHA] in a small ceremony on Monday.

Three of the ambulances, costing around K800,000, were purchased for health centres in Kol, Olna, and Tabibuga. Two others were allocated to Kumbants EBC Health Centre and Wara Mants Health Centre. One of these was donated by Kumul Consolidated Holdings Limited, while the other was bought earlier but presented at the same event.

While presenting the keys to JPHA CEO Thaddeus Turi, MP Wake Goi urged the community and vehicle drivers to take good care of the ambulances, highlighting their importance in delivering life-saving services in the remote district.

Mr Goi said the ambulances are meant for making referrals for sick patients, rolling out immunization programs, transporting drug supplies, among other medical rounds.

MP Wake Goi said the JPHA and provincial administration will advertise driver jobs, with applicants required to be of sober habits.

He also urged the JPHA to track the vehicles using GPS to ensure they stay within their designated areas and are used properly for health services.

JPHA CEO Thaddeus Turi called the new vehicles a relief, helping to ease the ongoing challenges of providing health services in the remote Jimi district.

Mr Turi commended the local MP for fulfilling the Service Level Agreement between Jimi DDA and JPHA, and for supporting better health services in the district.

He hopes other MPs will follow MP Goi’s example in partnering with health authorities to improve services in the province.