Mineral Resources Madang (MRM), a subsidiary of the Mineral Resources Development Company (MRDC), has delivered a fully kitted ambulance to serve the people of Ward 22 in the Bundi district of Madang Province.
MRDC stated that the ambulance, purchased with a combined K298,000 (K98,000 from MRDC and K200,000 from MRM), will be managed by the Madang Provincial Health Authority (PHA) and stationed at the Enekwa Health Centre.
“It is fully equipped with basic medical supplies and will serve approximately 7,000 people in remote areas,” MRDC said.
MRM Director John Tigavu emphasized the critical impact of this contribution and said the community previously had no ambulance to serve them and many have died while being carried along the road, trying to cross the Ramu River, due to no ambulance service.
Mr. Tigavu highlighted the perilous journeys faced by residents, stating, “Pregnant mothers walk from the Kumbukari mine site down to Ramu, cross the river to Usino. It takes about 8 to 9 hours to walk, and many have lost their lives on the road.”
The ambulance is registered under the Madang PHA.
“We are working on an agreement with the PHA to have the ambulance based at the Enekwai Health Centre and for the PHA to maintain the ambulance,” Mr. Tigavu added.