Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery through the establishment of the State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System.
During a flag-off event in Akure, the governor highlighted that timely medical intervention saves lives, especially in cases of road accidents, obstetric emergencies and other life-threatening medical conditions.
Represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, Aiyedatiwa noted that many lives are lost every day due to delays in emergency response.
He explained that the new system will provide rapid medical assistance and cover the costs of transportation and treatment during the first 48 hours under the National Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services System.
He said, “Medical emergencies such as traffic accidents, medical crises and obstetric complications occur daily. Many lives are lost due to lack of timely help.”
“Through the ‘OUR EASY’ development agenda, our administration is committed to preserving lives, regardless of their status, from preventable deaths caused by medical emergencies.”
Aiyedatiwa also revealed that a 24-hour functional call center has been established, while more than 100 frontline rescuers have been trained to handle medical emergencies effectively.
Highlighting the broader objective of his development agenda “OUR FACILITY”, the governor said the initiative is part of a long-term strategy to reduce preventable deaths, strengthen pre-hospital care and improve coordination between emergency services and healthcare facilities across Ondo State.
He said: “As part of our commitment to the survival and well-being of our people, the State Emergency Call Center has been reactivated with the installation of multi-million naira devices for timely emergency communication.
“This is a 24/7 functional call and dispatch center where calls will be received for rapid dispatch of an ambulance for rescue.
“Likewise, more than 100 frontline responders have been trained to be prepared for the effective management of medical emergencies and training will be ongoing for greater exposure of our personnel to modern emergency treatment techniques.”
He commended the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System of the Federal Ministry of Health and Welfare, private hospital operators and ambulance owners for partnering with the state government for an efficient healthcare delivery system.
In her remarks, Director General of the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System Hajia Fatima Ciroma said the plan will help reduce the burden on hospitals as patients in need of medical emergencies are more likely to receive care before reaching the hospital.
He noted that the program is equipped with a fleet of different categories of ambulances such as Basic Life Support Ambulances, Advanced Life Support Ambulances, Tricyle Ambulances (KEKE) and highly qualified medical personnel to attend to medical emergencies, ranging from road accidents, domestic accidents, medical, obstetric and other related conditions.
Ciroma also highlighted the introduction of an effective communication technique that will create seamless coordination between healthcare facilities, hospitals, emergency services and ambulance medical staff for timely intervention.
The Ondo State Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Samuel Ibitoye, hailed the initiative as a key component of road safety management.
Ibitoye applauded the governor for bringing the state into the National Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services System and for bringing the glory of the Ondo State Emergency Medical Services Agency (ODEMSA), which used to be a benchmark in emergency medical services.
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