The Ministry of Health has secured funding for the construction of a 3-storey training complex for the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School (PECTS) in the Ashanti Region.

A Deputy Health Minister, Tina Mensah, says the project is aimed at improving the school’s infrastructure development.

She was speaking at the passing out of 525 Emergency Medical Technicians Basic of the National Ambulance Service.

The 525 passed out as Emergency Medical Technicians comprising 257 drivers and 268 non-drivers, after successfully completing a one-year intensive training programme in Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

The 12^th batch, who have acquired various emergency medical service skills will be handling medical emergencies ranging from road traffic crashes to labour and cardiac arrests, among others.

They were taken through bleeding control, positive pressure ventilation with a bag valve mask, supplemental oxygen administration, and full spinal immobilization training.

The new graduates of the Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School (PECTS) add to the 2,033 Ghanaians granted financial clearance for recruitment into the National Ambulance Service.

To contain the growing numbers of the school, the Deputy Minister of Health, Tina Mensah revealed plans to improve infrastructure in the school.

She said the construction of the Training Complex will start as soon as the necessary procurement processes are over.

“…We have secured the necessary support from the Middle Belt Authority to construct a new Dining Hall for the School.  

“A re-alignment of your salary structure to better reflect your roles within NAS is taking place. The new structure categorizes EMTs into four groups: Basic EMT, Intermediate EMT, Advanced EMT, and Paramedic,” she said.

Acting President of the Offinso Traditional Council, Nana Kwaku Dua II, urged the government to elevate the Paramedics School to meet international standards.

“The decision to cite Paramedic and Emergency Care Training School here to produce the country's Paramedics was a perfect one, but the government should expand and develop the school.

“PECTS needs a facelift. This is the only training school that churns out our paramedics, and that is why we are calling for your support to build the school to international standards,” he said.

Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Ambulance Service, Nana Wiafe Ababio, advised the EMTs to uphold professionalism.

“As you step into a profession demanding both expertise and empathy, remember to share the wealth of knowledge gained here across the nation.

“As EMTs, you'll be the frontline heroes at your respective Ambulance Stations, providing critical interventions in life-or-death situations. The trust society places in you is immeasurable; approach your responsibilities with professionalism, empathy, and unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.