‘St John Ambulance services welcomed’
KLANG: The government will continue to work with St John Ambulance Malaysia to bolster ambulance services.
Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said St John Ambulance’s assistance was welcomed to improve healthcare services.
“St John Ambulance complements the government’s delivery of healthcare services. It improves people’s access to healthcare and there has been an increase in demand due to a growth in population.
“St John Ambulance has become a strong and reliable partner of the ministry,” Dr Dzulkefly said at the non-governmental organisation’s 110th anniversary dinner here on Saturday.
He said St John Ambulance had become the nation’s largest private ambulance fleet coordinator. It rendered its services in hotspot areas in 2016, where ambulances were placed in strategic locations in the Klang Valley.
“It resulted in improved reaction time during emergencies.”
The dinner was held to celebrate fundraisers, volunteers, and partners who contributed to the NGO’s missions.
Present were St John Sub Prior John Mah, St John Ambulance chairman and chief commander Datuk Lai See Ming, his deputy, Datuk Seri Dr Abu Hassan Asaari Abdullah, and St John Malaysia committee member Tun Hanif Omar. Dr Dzulkefly said St John Ambulance had been serving the people since 1908.
“I am happy to be here. The organisation started with several branches in Malaya and northern Borneo. Now, it has expanded.”