FG INTRODUCES EMERGENCY RESPONSE CENTRE , AMBULANCE SERVICES IN CROSS RIVER
Read Time:2 Minute, 40 Second
HOTJIST NEWS
The Federal Government has unveiled an emergency call centre and ambulance service to deliver fast and effective emergency medical care to residents of Cross River State, particularly during floods, fires, road accidents, and other urgent situations.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate represented by Dr. Doubra Emuren, Programme Manager of the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System launched the initiative on Tuesday at the General Hospital in Calabar.
Dr. Emuren explained that the programme is designed to ensure Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable, have access to pre-hospital care and ambulance transportation.
He said, “The Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway is part of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund under the National Health Act. It ensures that no individual particularly the poor or vulnerable dies because they cannot afford emergency care.”
“This initiative follows the directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, to ensure that every state in the country has access to effective emergency medical services.”
“We are here to officially engage and onboard the Cross River State Emergency Medical Treatment Committee as the first step toward establishing a statewide emergency medical service and operational framework,” Emuren said.
He noted that the programme supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health and the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, aimed at guaranteeing Nigerians access to quality emergency medical care.
“This is a critical component of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for Health, reflected in the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” he said. “It guarantees that when someone requests an ambulance through a dedicated number, the government will respond, ensuring that anyone in need of emergency care is transported to a facility prepared to treat them.”
The Technical Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Universal Health Coverage, Dr. David Ushie, said the new system is designed to guarantee seamless access to life-saving healthcare services. He noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Bassey Otu’s People’s First Agenda.
He explained, “A dedicated call centre has been set up to handle healthcare-related complaints and emergencies, ensuring swift responses and improved service delivery. The centre is equipped with broadband connectivity, round-the-clock power supply, and trained personnel.
“The state has also rolled out an emergency ambulance service, beginning with five ambulances, with plans to integrate both public and private ambulance providers. This effort reflects the Governor’s ‘people-first’ philosophy and is aimed at ensuring that no one is abandoned during emergencies.”
Dr. Ushie stressed that the Otu administration is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to quality emergency medical care and that no individual is left to die due to lack of timely attention. He added that the services would be available to all, regardless of their financial situation or location.
In his remarks, the Director-General of the Cross River State Health Insurance Agency, Chief Godwin Iyala, hailed the launch of the Emergency Medical Treatment Gateway as a “welcome and exciting development.”
He noted that the initiative would help tackle the healthcare challenges confronting residents especially during emergencies—by ensuring they receive timely and quality medical care.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0