Federal Govt To Acquire Emergency Care Helicopter

The coordinating minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the procurement of an emergency care helicopter to strengthen Nigeria’s response to critical emergencies.

In a statement, Pate said the ministry had opened discussions with Europe’s leading aerospace corporation, Airbus, on the development of a new Integrated National Ground-To-Air Health Emergency Management System for Nigeria.

The minister, who met with Airbus executives during a working visit to Lyon, France, also inspected an Airbus Emergency Care Helicopter at a French government-supported air ambulance facility.

He explained that the move aligns with the federal government’s renewed health sector investment agenda, aimed at boosting emergency medical services across the country.

“In line with the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, we are expanding Nigeria’s public health infrastructure and strengthening private sector capacity for medical care, including emergency services,” Pate said.

He added that the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance Scheme is currently being revamped, with new urban ambulances for major cities and upgraded rural emergency systems.