FG set to commence emergency medical service programme in Sokoto

By Muhammad Nasir

Sokoto, May 27, 2024

The Federal Government on Monday announced its readiness to launch the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) programme in Sokoto State.

Dr Sa’idu Ahmed, NEMSAS National Programme Manager, made this known while addressing journalists after a meeting with the State Commissioner for Health and its officials.

Ahmed said the programme was designed to address maternal mortality issues and ensure that no Nigerian dies due to the lack of funds for emergency medical services.

He said NEMSAS was a government organisation tasked with the responsibility of organising emergency medical services as well as pre-hospital and emergency care services in Nigeria.

“Previously, we imposed conditions on our initiatives, but the government has now adopted a new strategy to improve poor health indices.

“We have seen an increase in maternal mortality rates despite vertical and horizontal investments from both the government and donor partners.

“This prompted the government to establish NEMSAS to bring about the necessary change,” he said.

Ahmed emphasised that the service needed to be well-coordinated to remain sustainable and effectively address the country’s poor health indices.

“Currently, seven to eight states in the country have been on-boarded, with some fully operational and others in pilot phases.

“Sokoto State has shown commitment, and we are here to initiate the pilot operation, which will last for six months before full implementation,” Ahmed explained.

He further disclosed that the system would cover emergency cases from homes to hospitals and pay all the patients’ bills for up to 48 hours.

Ahmed assured that the programme was designed to save lives, particularly benefiting the poor and vulnerable who cannot afford medical services.

He also appreciated Gov. Ahmed Aliyu’s commitment to ensuring a robust healthcare system in the state.

In her remarks, Hajiya Asabe Balarabe, the Commissioner for Health, praised the Federal Government’s dedication to meeting societal needs, particularly for the less-privileged.

She promised the state’s full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the programmes.