By Fabian Ekeruche
The Anambra State Government on Friday commenced Emergency Medical Service, Ambulance System to reduce morbidity and mortality rates as well create job opportunities in the state.
Dr Osagie Ehanire, the Minister of Health, during the inauguration in Awka, commended Anambra for being the first state apart from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, to launch the emergency health system in the country.
Ehanire who was represented by Dr Saidu Duwbuiwa, Director, National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), said that emergency health system would be gradually launched in the 36 states of the federation.
“We are losing lives. Women die during child birth, children die, people die or are deformed due to road traffic accidents. All of these are serious emergencies.
“The inauguration of the Anambra State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (ASEMSAS) will reduce, morbidity and mortality as well as create job opportunities in the state.
“It will also improve health outcomes and help achieve universal health coverage. I commend the state government for prioritising the healthcare of residents, ” he said.
Also speaking, Gov. Chukwuma Soludo, while thanking the Federal Government for approving the operation ASEMSAS, said his administration was committed to achieving universal health coverage.
Soludo who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Solo Chukwulobelu, said that the emergency health system would help to save lives and promote the health and safety of the people.
Earlier in his address, Dr Afam Obidike, state’s Commissioner for Health, said that health personnel, drivers and other members of the ASEMSAS had been trained on how to operate the system.
Afam said that 30 ambulances had been registered across the state for emergency response, urging residents to call 112 to report any emergency within their environment for prompt response.
“We will continue to do our best and the people need to play their part too, so that we save many lives that could be lost due to auto accidents, maternal and other life-threatening emergencies,” he said.
In his goodwill message, Dr Walter Mulombo, Country Representative, World Health Organisation in Nigeria, said that they would continue to support the state in the areas training, funding and other logistics.
In his remarks, Dr Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, state Director, Medical Services and Coordinator, ASEMSAS, said that the accredited ambulances, treatment centers were already open for operations.
He explained that the ambulances were not corpse carrying ambulances but ambulances with basic and advanced life support equipment and mobile intensive care units for the humanitarian services.
