NGCB COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING TO IMPROVE HEALTH SERVICES

The National Gaming Control Board (NGCB) has come onboard to support the St John Ambulance in purchasing a fully kitted ambulance worth more than three hundred and ninety thousand kina (K390, 000.00) that will increase optimal healthcare and ambulance services in the country.

The donation is in line with NGCB’s Agreement to purchase three ambulance vehicles per year starting this year to 2024 in the effort to maximize essential medical and ambulance services to the people of PNG through NGCB’s ‘Give Back Program’.

NGCB Director for Community Benefit Fund Naomi Eringe speaking on behalf of NGCB CEO Imelda Agon, said the Board is pleased to partner with St John Ambulance and committed to purchase a total of nine (9) ambulance vehicles for St John Ambulance within a span of three (3) years

“For NGCB, we are owned by the 8 million plus people of this great country hence we are fully committed to our social corporate obligation to support community-impact projects and programs that will directly impact the lives of people through our ‘Give Back Program’.

“Health is one of our priority sectors we support and the purchase of this fully kitted ambulance is part of the three vehicles earmarked for this year to St John Ambulance. “The NGCB is committed in supporting the government’s vision to improve health services and our partnership with St John Ambulance is a step forward in achieving tangible outcomes in the health sector”, Ms. Eringe said.

Eringe said the donation will boost and strengthen ambulance service in the country and ensure ‘help is just one call away’.

Receiving the cheque for St John, Chief of Ambulance Service, Rigona Rita said, “the demand for St John has increased greatly.

St John plays a crucial role in providing emergency medical service to our people and we’re responding to an average of 60 incidents each day.”

“Such services can only be maintained with the support from organizations such as the National Gaming Control Board and others alike. The purchase of ambulances from this cheque presentation will see to it going directly to support our expansion to enhance our operations in the Southern and Highland regions. Getting additional ambulances on road means we can get immediate care to the patient within minutes after a medical emergency occurs.”

“We are grateful for this contribution and we will continue to deliver to the communities in their greatest time of need and that this support will have a much more positive impact to the lives that will be saved when someone dials 111 for help.” Said Chief Rita.