The National Fire Authority (NFA) has marked a significant milestone with the introduction of its inaugural emergency pre-hospital ambulance service. The formal launch took place yesterday and was officiated by Maciu Nalumisa, the Minister for Housing and Local Government. This initiative is bolstered by a considerable government investment, including an allocation of $2.1 million for ambulance services in the upcoming 2024-2025 fiscal year.
Minister Nalumisa emphasized the advancements made since the National Ambulance Service Act was established in 2010, which has been instrumental in facilitating the NFA’s services. He pointed out that, over the last five fiscal years, ambulance calls represented 26 percent of all calls received by the NFA, making them the second most common type of call after private fire alarm alerts.
So far this year, the NFA has responded to 170 fire emergencies and attended to 152 road accidents. Nalumisa reiterated the government’s strong support for the NFA, stating that a total of $6.1 million has been allocated for its operations. With funds from the previous fiscal year, the NFA was able to procure two new ambulances, and additional budgetary support will allow for the acquisition of more vehicles to serve the Fijian population.
The Minister reiterated a commitment to providing state-of-the-art emergency services, ensuring that “every community in Fiji deserves” access to high-quality ambulance services. He assured that investments would be made to ensure that all personnel are well-trained and prepared to deliver swift emergency healthcare throughout the stunning islands of Fiji.
This launch is a hopeful step towards enhancing emergency healthcare response across Fiji, signaling a commitment to improving public safety and health services in the region. By prioritizing investment in ambulance services, the government is fostering a proactive approach to emergency management, which ultimately benefits the entire community.
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