National Emergency Medical Services, Ambulance System launches Operations In Anambra
Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
The minister of Health, Dr.Osagie Ehanire in collaboration with National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS, World Health Organisation, has launched the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System ,ASEMSAS, under the Anambra State Ministry of Health,in Awka,the state capital, on Thursday.
The minister, who was represented by the Director of National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System ,NEMSAS, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Saidu Ahmed Duwbuiwa, noted that the project will further strengthen Primary Healthcare System in Nigeria.
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Speaking during the launching, the minister said that apart from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Anambra is the first State to launch the Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System in the country.He stated that Anambra was the most qualified out of the sixteen,16,states that sent in their proposals.
He noted that the project if fully launched across the 36 states of the federation, as mapped out, will reduce mortality rate.
Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health Anambra State, Dr. Afam Obidike, announced that the federal ministry of health and World Health Organisation have trained health workers,drivers and members of the SEMSAS , on how to embark on their duties.
According to Obidike, ASEMSAS is a no coordinated, immediate and strategic response system that can be accessed in times of medical emergencies.112 is the emergency line to be called whenever there is an emergency so the public should take note of this 112 as more than 20 trained call staff are available 24hours,for timely response of an ambulance.
He also stated that “ASEMSAS will be private sector driven, 30 Ambulances have been registered across the state for emergency response.
The Project is geared towards reducing deaths resulting from emergency situations and mobility as a result of accidents in the state.
This is a critical step towards ensuring that citizens have access to timely and efficient medical care when faced with a medical emergency anywhere in the country.
By launching NEMSAS operations in Anambra State, we are taking an important step towards building a safer and healthier community for everyone not just in the state but all over the country.
It is important to note that at the heart of our Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System program is a deep commitment to the safety and well-being of our citizens.
We will continue to do our best so as to save the lives of our people, it is now left for our people to utilize this great opportunity because the system covers every part of the state.
We believe that everyone deserves access to high-quality medical care, regardless of their circumstances or background or their ability to pay.
SEMSAS services are real-time, seamless, round-the-clock and very effective. Most importantly, they’re open to every resident of our dear State.”
Speaking at the occasion,the Anambra Director Medical Services, SEMSAS Coordinator, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said that the accredited ambulances, treatment centers are already in place to commence operations.
He emphasized that the accredited ambulances are not corpse carrying ambulances but rather ambulances that have basic life support, advanced life support and mobile intensive care units all are well equipped for the humanitarian services.
Contributing,the State Governor, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said that preventable deaths can truly be prevented with the ASEMSAS launch.He affirmed that Governor Soludo is paying adequate attention to health sector.He appreciated the minister and the commissioner for efforts in making the event a reality.
Making his contribution,the World Health Organisation,WHO,country representative to Nigeria,Dr.Walter Kazadi Mulombo represented by Dr Francis Oguije, promised constant support of Anambra Health Sector by deploying expertise, training and funding.
Present at the event were traditional and religious leaders, commissioner for budget and planning, commissioner for industry, representative of commissioner of police,heads of public and private hospitals, Civil Society Organisation, fire service representative,red cross officials, among others.
