NEMSAS To Implement Rural Ambulance Services For Improved Emergency Care

Acknowledging the implications of transportation barriers to the health of the rural populations in the country, the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) is implementing the rural ambulance services for improved Emergency Care services.

The National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, disclosed this at a stakeholders meeting on Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transportation, with the theme: “Addressing the abysmal maternal mortality indices through rural emergency medical services.” in Abuja.

He said transportation barriers to healthcare are significant and have far-reaching implications regarding the health of the rural populations in the country.

Saidu assured that RESMAT will strengthen NEMSAS in the implementation of its overall vision for coordinating EMS systems by extending coverage to include the last mile in rural areas.

“As NEMSAS began its operations in October, 2021 in FCT with Yobe and Anambra states respectively. Plateau and Bauchi states were equally granted approval to commence operations following assessment and onboarding. And before the end of the next quarter, we will roll out operations in Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Ebonyi, Bayelsa, Kano and Sokoto states.

“As NEMSAS aligned to improving emergency care service delivery in Nigeria, NEMSAS is implementing strategic partnerships with the FRSC for EMS services on federal highways and adjoining rural communities; partnership with NCC for the provision of services for the communication infrastructure to deliver the toll-free 112 number to designated emergency call centers.

“NEMSAS has also brought onboard the private sector providers; Private Hospital services and Private ambulance service providers to ensure sustainability of the programme in a way of unlocking private sector potential as a government owned programme driven by private sector to save live and create jobs,” he added.

In his goodwill massage, the representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Sani Abdullahi, said statistics of abysmal maternal mortality are quite disturbing.

However, he said with rural emergency services and maternal transport, measures will be taken.

The chairman, National Private Sector Ambulance Network, Mr. Chris Obodozie, said their services are in 22 states of the country, with over 82 ambulances.

He added that the aim of NPSAN is to provide effective and efficient medical services across the country