FG begins nationwide distribution of ambulances to strengthen emergency care

The federal government has launched a nationwide initiative to distribute advanced life support (ALS) ambulances and tricycle ambulances to enhance emergency medical care across the country. The program began with a flag-off ceremony held at the National Trauma Centre in Riyom, Plateau State, on Monday. During the event, Daju Kachollom, permanent secretary at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, outlined the goals of the initiative, emphasizing its focus on addressing critical gaps in emergency transportation, especially in remote and underserved regions. She highlighted how timely access to healthcare can significantly impact outcomes in emergencies such as maternal and newborn complications, childhood illnesses, and trauma cases. The deployment of these ambulances is part of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), which aims to create a unified and efficient emergency medical response network. In Plateau State, the initiative builds upon existing programs like the State Ambulance System, the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) emergency-care pathway, and the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) initiative. This latter project has been further enhanced through the SAVEMAMA Digital RESMAT platform, which improves coordination and data collection for maternal health services. During the ceremony, Ms. Kachollom also announced the designation of Riyom General Hospital as an outpost of JUTH. This decision was made following collaboration with the Plateau State government and was approved by Muhammad Pate, the coordinating minister of health and social welfare. The establishment of this outpost is expected to improve access to specialized healthcare services in the region and streamline referrals between different levels of healthcare infrastructure, primary, secondary, and tertiary facilities. She praised the state government for its active participation and commitment to public health initiatives. Ms. Kachollom emphasized the importance of local ownership and responsibility in managing the newly acquired resources. She stated that the federal government expects states to utilize the ambulances effectively and prioritize their deployment based on community needs. Additionally, she called for continued financial support from state governments to ensure the sustainability of emergency medical services beyond initial implementation. Chief Medical Director of JUTH, Pokop Bupwatda, noted that the emergency transport initiative has already contributed to notable improvements in patient outcomes. He reported that over 1,115 patients have been transported in Jos East Local Government Area and more than 900 in Riyom. According to him, there has been a marked decline in maternal mortality rates in Plateau State, dropping from around 905 deaths per 100,000 live births to approximately 500 per 100,000. He expressed confidence that these figures could continue to decrease, potentially reaching below 100 deaths per 100,000 live births. Mr. Bupwatda also acknowledged the contribution of health workers and the Federal Ministry of Health, who have provided an additional ten new tricycle ambulances to Plateau State. These vehicles are intended to increase mobility and accessibility in rural areas, thereby supporting broader health equity objectives. Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, represented at the event, pledged the state's commitment to ensuring the effective utilization of the ambulance fleet. His statement underscores the collaborative nature of the initiative and highlights the shared goal of enhancing emergency care and reducing preventable deaths across the nation.