Float plane en route to remote clinics

PAPUA New Guinea’s remote villagers will soon have access to urgent medical supplies when a float plane (or pontoon plane) from Samaritan Aviation flies into Wewak, East Sepik province, today where it will be based. 
Samaritan Aviation, a Christian not-for-profit organisation which provides ministry and medical services to people in remote parts of the earth, announced on Wednesday that the amphibious float plane was for the people of PNG.
President and founder Gary Bustin said the float plane was more practical and needed because the usual transport modes could not serve the needs of the very remote areas.
“The float plane is the first of its kind in PNG in over 30 years. The last being in the 1960s, belonging to the MAF.
“This float plane can land and take off on both land and water, making it easier to operate on the Sepik River and other maritime areas.
“It will be based in Wewak where it can be used to serve the Momase region’s medical needs,” he said.
Mr Bustin said he wanted everyone to see this float plane, Spirit of Paradise, as an ambulance and a dream-come-true.
The plane was brought in from the United States and is also supported by Heart2Heart International, a leading medical supplier, who will be providing all the medical supplies that Samaritan Aviation will deliver to the clinics.
Samaritan Aviation would soon receive K3 million worth of medical supplies to be distributed nationwide.