Global Fund Lifts Lagos Healthcare With 5 Mobile Ambulances

Lagos State government has received five brand new state-of-the-art Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU) ambulances from the international donor organization, Global Fund, to enhance swift medical emergency response in the state.

The multi-million naira MICU ambulances, donated to the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), are equipped with essential medical and emergency equipment, including a main ambulance stretcher, trauma kit, patient monitor, automated external defibrillator, respiratory kit, dressing equipment, wheelchair, among other items required to stabilize and support patients before further medical intervention.

The ambulances were received on behalf of the Lagos State Government by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, and the Director of LASAMBUS, Mrs. Wuraola Makinde. The handover was conducted by the Coordinator of the Global Fund Grant Management Unit, Mr. Abiodun Omoloja.

After receiving the ambulance, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Ogunyemi appreciated Global Fund for its productive partnership with the state government in providing effective emergency services and sustaining healthcare delivery in the state.

She explained that the five new ambulances would expand the coverage area of LASAMBUS, supporting the state government’s efforts to overhaul and strengthen trauma and medical emergency response systems.

According to her, the overarching goal is to transform LASAMBUS to meet global benchmark standards, with more staff, equipment, ambulance bases, and points to reduce emergency response time in the state.

“We are training more doctors and nurses and acquiring more equipment because we believe that emergency services represent the critical point between life and death. When accidents or emergencies occur, we need fully equipped, skilled professionals on site,” she said.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to providing prompt emergency services, Dr. Ogunyemi assured that the newly donated ambulances would be utilized effectively for service delivery.

Corroborating the special adviser, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye emphasized LASAMBUS’s dedication to providing swift and professional emergency services, ensuring that residents can rely on prompt care when needed.

“We are committed to ensuring that we provide emergency services with a dedicated team of highly trained professionals. All of them are certified for ACLS, and these MICUs allow prehospital interventions, ensuring that patients receive excellent care while being transported,” he said.

Ogboye also revealed plans to build ambulance bases across all Local Government Areas in the State, hinting that the Ministry of Health is currently in negotiations with local government chairmen to secure spaces for these bases.

“The aim is to ensure that ambulance and emergency services are accessible within the shortest possible time”, he stated.

Earlier, head of the Global Fund Grant Management Unit in Lagos Mr. Abiodun Omoloja, highlighted Global Fund’s commitment to defeating HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, while also ensuring a healthier, safer, and more equitable future for all.

While noting that the donation of the ambulances is part of the Global Fund’s initiative to strengthen health systems in Lagos State, Omoloja disclosed that the five MICU ambulances are in addition to the eight MICU ambulances earlier donated to the Lagos State Ambulance Service in 2022, bringing the total number of MICU ambulances donated by the Global Fund to 13.

Omoloja explained that the Global Fund saw the need to further strengthen LASAMBUS’ emergency response by providing the additional ambulances, particularly because of the excellent management of the eight ambulances earlier donated.

“These donations align with Mr. Governor’s THEMES+ agenda, supporting the provision of high-quality pre-hospital and medical emergency services. The expanded LASAMBUS fleet will enhance operational coverage, contributing to significant improvements in the state’s health indices”, he said.