A Memorandum of understanding between the National Fire Authority and the Health Ministry is expected to be signed this week where the NFA is expected to start providing ambulances services around the country.

This was revealed by NFA who say that this will see them take over operations from Saint Johns Ambulances where they will be providing hospitals around the country with 24 hour ambulance services.

While opening the new Rakiraki Fire Station late last month, Minister for Urban Development, Col. Samuela Saumatua revealed that while the national fire authority's main role is to coordinate and carry out proactive fire prevention and fire response, they are also responsible for making sure there is minimal impact from fires on the community and also minimal loss of lives.

Col. Saumatua stresses that NFA has been tasked to protect Fiji's population of over 800,000 people and well-over $2 billion stock of buildings and a fast-growing economic environment.

Chief Fire Officer, Tupou Saubulinayau had earlier revealed that the Ambulance services will start first between the Suva to Nausori corridor before the end of this year and will expand nationwide.

The outsourcing of the ambulance services was approved by Cabinet last year after a submission by Health Minister Doctor Neil Sharma who said the current services were not upto standard.


Story by: Paradise Tabucala