The Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) condemns in the strongest possible term the disrespect and disregard displayed towards the important service that St John Ambulance is providing for our communities by few members of the public.
This statement followed a rock- throwing incident that occurred near the Tamboko road turnoff, west of Honiara, at a passing St John Ambulance vehicle over the weekend as well as similar incidents in the past.
Douglas Kelson, head of St John Ambulance said that the incident was not the first and the continuous occurrences of such incidents is slowly taking its toll on staff willingness to serve outside of Honiara especially at night times.
He added, “There are some staff that are being traumatized by such incidents nevertheless when the need arises, there are no other options but to brush aside our fears and continue to do our job therefore we need the support from our community chiefs, elders and leaders including parents and guardians of our community youths”.
The MHMS would like to remind the public that such emergency health transport as St John Ambulance provide very specialised and unique services that once disrupted can cost lives and disrupt future ambulances services to these areas where such incidents occurs.
The Ministry of Health has a duty towards its partnership agreement with St John Ambulance to ensure the safety of St John Ambulance personnel and volunteers.
Therefore, if such incidents continue, the MHMS may suspend ambulance services to these areas thus in the best interest of all communities to ensure that St John Ambulance can move freely without fear and threat of rock throwing in between and to and from our communities.
Community chiefs, leaders and elders including parents and family members are urged to work together to build respect within their communities for such services provided by St John Ambulances including all other health services and facilities.
It could be your family member or friend that is next in line to be shuttled to the nearest appropriate health facility via the St John Ambulance thus such incidents should be prevented by all means.
Source. Solomon Star News.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
