The National Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services System (NEMSAS) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the delivery of emergency medical care in Nigeria through closer collaboration with government agencies, private partners and the media.
Speaking at the inauguration of NEMSAS Media Cell on Friday in Abuja, the National Program Director, Dr Emuren Doubra, explained that the initiative aims to create a unified, standardized and accessible system for emergency response across the country.
He said: “In Nigeria, we have fragmented emergency medical services as private, community-based NGOs and without a structured system, we experience leakage and non-standard emergency care.”
“What NEMSAS has come to do is create standards and ensure that vulnerable patients receive these services without having to bear the cost of immediate payment.”
Doubra also identified poor communication as the most pressing challenge in emergency response, particularly the inefficiency of the 1-1-2 emergency number operated by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“If you cannot call or communicate your emergency to a response agency, you will not be able to receive care,” he explained.
“The number 1-1-2 works well in some areas but poorly in most states. We are engaging the NCC to improve its functionality because Nigerians seriously need that number to function effectively.”
He added that inadequate communication coverage, geographical barriers and a shortage of health workers were hindering a timely response.
“Migration is causing serious leaks and a lack of health workers. We need support and collaboration with the private sector to fill these gaps,” he said.
Doubra thanked the media and reaffirmed NEMSAS’ determination to build an effective and equitable emergency medical system.
“We thank the Coordinating Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for making emergency medical services a fundamental pillar of this administration.”
“Our mission is to reduce maternal and child mortality by strengthening emergency medical services as a key link between all levels of healthcare in Nigeria.” said.
Director General of the National Blood Service Agency (NBSA), Professor Saleh Yuguda, highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting public awareness on NEMSAS.
“Today we inaugurated the National Emergency Medical Services Media Cell. Whatever the federal government is doing, people need to know.”
“NEMSAS was created to deal with emergencies across the country. The federal government will take care of the treatment of anyone within the first 48 hours free of charge, that is the main objective.”
From the private sector, Folake Owodunni, co-founder and CEO of Emergency Response Africa, praised the initiative, describing it as an important step in closing the gap in Nigeria’s emergency care.
“Emergencies can affect anyone at any time and are often not adequately addressed,” he said.
“Our goal in the private sector is to work together with the public sector to expand capacity and ensure that everyone, not just those who can pay, gets the help they need when they need it.”
He added that Emergency Response Africa connects hospitals and ambulance providers across the country to improve response time and patient outcomes.
Dr Simeon Onyemechi, Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Social Security Agencies, said the NEMSAS program was transforming access to critical care.
“This ensures that people, whether insured or not, have access to emergency care at no cost within the first 48 hours,” he explained.
“We review hospital claims promptly and are working on electronic payment systems to streamline reimbursements and keep providers motivated.”
Dr Francis Nwachukwu of the World Health Organization (WHO) said the success of the program depends on sustainable funding.
“It will be difficult to achieve NEMSAS objectives without adequate funding,” he said.
“With the reforms of the Coordinating Minister and the National Investment Program for the Renewal of the Health Sector, financing through the Basic Health Care Delivery Fund has strengthened the system. What is now needed is for NEMSAS to be fully functional in all 36 states.”
Media advocate Moji Makanjuola, executive director of the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), urged journalists to help raise public awareness about the service.
“Until people know that such a service exists, they will not be able to take full advantage of it,” he said. “The media must see itself as a partner in progress to ensure emergency care is available and reduce mortality caused by lack of timely intervention.”
Dr Hozie Okonuha, Program Director of the FCT Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, noted that Abuja was the first to implement the NEMSAS initiative in 2022.
“We have expanded our services to all area councils and work closely with FRSC, police and emergency teams.”
“Every second counts. Nigerians should stop recording videos during accidents and instead call the emergency number so that ambulances can be dispatched quickly.”
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