NFA Pushes for Increased Funding to Boost Emergency Response Services

The National Fire Authority (NFA) is advocating for a greater budget allocation for its paramedic teams in the upcoming 2025-2026 National Budget. During a public consultation held at Albert Park, CEO Sowane Puamau revealed his recent discussions with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Biman Prasad regarding enhancing funding for the NFA’s paramedic services.

Mr. Sowane emphasized the essential nature of specialized skills in the evacuation of victims, particularly given the rising frequency of road accidents. He referenced two recent incidents where NFA’s ambulance services played a critical role in rescuing victims, underlining the urgency for improved funding.

Furthermore, Mr. Sowane pointed out that under the National Fire Service Act, all insured vehicles are required to contribute a fire service levy, but compliance has been lacking. He expressed the necessity of collaborating with the government to ensure compliance, which will lead to enhanced funding for essential emergency services.

Currently, the government only contributes 25 percent towards NFA’s operational costs, a situation that has prompted the authority to respond to 49 percent of emergencies beyond established fire boundaries without collecting revenue from those areas. The National Budget is anticipated to be presented in Parliament on June 27.

This push aligns with NFA’s ongoing efforts, highlighted in previous articles, to improve emergency services, such as the launch of the Paramedics Ambulance Department aimed at training professionals for medical emergencies more effectively. The establishment of this department reflects a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, which is crucial as the demand for timely and effective emergency responses continues to grow in Fiji.

In summary, the NFA’s bid for increased funding for its paramedic teams presents an opportunity to strengthen the nation’s emergency response capabilities, ensuring that both victims and responders receive the best possible support during critical situations. The ongoing dialogue with government officials is a positive step towards securing necessary resources for improved public safety.