FG Launches Pilot Emergency Medical Service Ambulance System in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

The Federal government has inaugurated Anambra State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS).

Minister for health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, during the inauguration, said Anambra was the first State to launch the emergency health system in the country aside Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Ehanire, represented by Director of National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Saidu Ahmed Duwbuiwa said the choice of Anambra as pilot state was informed by its preparedness and private sectors’ potentials.

He noted that the project, if fully launched across the 36 states of the federation, as mapped out, would reducing mobidity and mortality rate, create job opportunities as well as strengthen nation’s Primary Healthcare System.

He said, “Before now, we don’t have a coordinated Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS). Besides, there’s been increasing cases of mortality despite huge investment in health sector,

“Therefore, this programme is targeted at addressing such missing links and bridge the gap and to reduce mortality rate, create job opportunities as well as strengthen Primary Healthcare System across the country.

“Among no fewer than 16 states that expressed interest in the project, Anambra was selected to be the first to roll out the package following her level of preparedness, potentials in the private sector.”

Ehanire further revealed that the ministry has signed an agreement with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), stressing that part of the pact included its ambulances would not be responding to accident victims alone, but other emergency health related matters.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo, while thanking the Federal Government for approving the operation ASEMSAS, said his administration was committed to achieving universal health coverage.

Soludo who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said that the emergency health system would help to save lives and promote the health and safety of the people.

Earlier, State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike explained that State Government had facilitated training of health personnel, drivers and SEMSAS members on how to operate the processes.

He said ASEMSAS would be private sector driven with over 30 ambulances registered across the state for emergency responses.

State Director, Medical Services, SEMSAS Coordinator, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu disclosed that accredited ambulances and treatment centers were already in place to commence operations.

“The accredited ambulances are not corpse carrying ambulances but rather ambulances that have basic and advanced life supports, as well as mobile intensive care units properly equipped for the humanitarian services,” he said.