By Muhammad Amaan
The National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), has unveiled a transformative collaboration with the Sector-Wide Approach Programme of the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme to end Maternal Mortality in Nigeria.
National Programme Manager of the NEMSAS, Dr Saidu Ahmed Dumbulwa, made this known during Stakeholders’ meeting on Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transportation with the theme: “Addressing the abysmal maternity mortality indices through rural emergency medical services.”
He said the initiative aims to implement Rural Ambulance and Medical Transport Services in underserved Nigerian communities.
He highlighted the power of collective ambition and commitment in addressing the critical gap in medical emergency services through an innovative strategy that unites the public and private sectors.
Emphasizing the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration, he underscored its role in saving lives and ensuring health security, aligning with the fundamental pillars of the Nigerian Health sector’s agenda.
“Aligned with the Federal Government of Nigeria’s health priorities and the National Health Act of 2014, NEMSAS addresses the missing link in the health sector by providing Emergency Medical Treatment.
“The National Emergency Medical Treatment Committee (NEMTC) approved the establishment of NEMSAS, the importance of universal health coverage in responding to various acute conditions very important,” he added.
Dr Dumbulwa shed light on the significance of NEMSAS in addressing maternal complications in rural areas, where transportation barriers to healthcare are substantial.
“The Rural Ambulance and Maternal Transport (RESMAT), initiative, prioritized by the FGN’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme, seeks to reduce maternal deaths by providing prehospital and emergency care in hard-to-reach areas.
“Government response to the need for strategic investment in emergency medical services has been proactive, with NEMSAS forming partnerships with the FRSC and NCC.
“Strategic alliances with private sector providers ensure the sustainability of the program, unlocking the potential of the private sector to save lives and create jobs.”
Dr Dumbulwa stated that NEMSAS aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the Health Sector and the National Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme.
“The Sector-Wide Approach Programme underlines the commitment to implementing Rural Ambulance and Maternal Transport Services across Nigeria, marking a significant step toward advancing universal health coverage and better health outcomes,” he said.
Head of Operations NEMSAS, Dr Emuren Pere gave a comprehensive exploration of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) vision.
Dr Pere commenced the discussion by shedding light on the background, illustrating the root causes of challenges faced by emergency services.
“The Major Factors of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria is delay in receiving quality healthcare, Goals of RESMaT, Component and Objective, among others.
“The staggering statistics, including 80,000 recorded autonomous robot spiders, emphasize the urgency for effective solutions,” he said.
The Rural Ambulance and Medical Transport Service is already existing in three states in Nigeria, FCT-Abuja, Yobe and Anambra State.
Meanwhile, Rural Ambulance and Medical Transport Service is already existing in three states in Nigeria, FCT-ABUJA, Yobe and Anambra State.
The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Sani Abdullahi, said statistics of abysmal maternal mortality are quite disturbing, saying that with rural emergency services and maternal transport measures will be taken.
“To help alleviate and reduce these statistics of Nigerians despite their locations should not be discriminated,” he said.
The Chairman, National Private Sector Ambulance Network, Mr. Chris Obodozie, said currently their services are in 22 states of the country, with over 82 ambulances, added that the aim of NPSAN is to provide effective and efficient medical services across the country.
Representative of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Dr Aishatu Bajoga, said the ministerial oversight Committee of the BHCPF commended the good work of NEMSAS, adding that in some states they have evidence of reports received from the communities.
Other stakeholders who were present during the meeting were the CMD National Hospital who was represented by Dr Badamasi, Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, Dr Sunday Ongbabo, FCT/EMSAS, Coordinator, NURTW Umar Abubakar.
