The Anambra State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, NEMSAS, and the World Health Organisation, has launched the Anambra State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, ASEMSAS, in Awka, the state capital.
The minister announced that Anambra is the first State in the nation to activate the Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System, aside from the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja. He stated that Anambra was the most qualified out of the sixteen states that sent in their proposals.
He noted that the project if fully launched across the 36 states of the federation, as mapped out, will reduce mortality rate.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Afam Obidike, Commissioner for Health in Anambra State, revealed that the federal ministry of health and the World Health Organization had trained health professionals, drivers, and SEMSAS members on how to carry out their tasks.
ASEMSAS, according to Obidike, is a no-coordinated, quick, and strategic response system that may be accessible during medical emergencies.The emergency number is 112 and should be dialed whenever there is an emergency. More than 20 skilled call workers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for fast ambulance service.
He also stated that “ASEMSAS will be private sector driven, 30 Ambulances have been registered across the state for emergency response.
The Project is geared towards reducing deaths resulting from emergency situations and mobility as a result of accidents in the state.
This is a critical step towards ensuring that citizens have access to timely and efficient medical care when faced with a medical emergency anywhere in the country.
Speaking at the occasion, the Anambra Director Medical Services, SEMSAS Coordinator, Dr. Ugochukwu Chukwulobelu, said that the accredited ambulances, treatment centers are already in place to commence operations.
He emphasised that the accredited ambulances are not corpse carrying ambulances but rather ambulances that have basic life support, advanced life support and mobile intensive care units all are well equipped for the humanitarian services.
Speaking, the State Governor, represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Solo Chukwulobelu, said that preventable deaths can truly be prevented with the ASEMSAS launch. He affirmed that Governor Soludo is paying adequate attention to health sector. He appreciated the minister and the commissioner for efforts in making the event a reality.
The World Health Organization, WHO, country representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, represented by Dr Francis Oguije, guaranteed continuous support of the Anambra Health Sector through deployment of expertise, training, and finance.
Traditional and religious leaders, the commissioner for budget and planning, the commissioner for industry, a representative of the commissioner of police, the heads of public and private hospitals, the Civil Society Organization, a fire service representative, and red cross officials were among those in attendance.
